Soil

Question 1

How is soil created

Answer 1

through a process of the erosion of rocks. It creates different layers of soil called soil horizons

Question 2

From top to bottom, identify all 5 soil horizons and give a description

Answer 2

Organic matter: contains
humus (decomposing
plant/animal residue)

Topsoil: mix of humus and
minerals

Subsoil: small minerals and
trees get nutrients from this
layer.

Fragmented parent rock: made
of disintegration of parent rock.

Unaltered parent rock: starting
point of soil.

Question 3

List the three things that can alter soil and explain how

Answer 3

Oxidation: chemically convert hazardous contaminants in soils to non-hazardous or less toxic compounds.

Neutralization:neutralize soil acidity

Decomposition: provides beneficial nutrients for plant health and ecosystem vitality

Question 4

Define soil buffering

Answer 4

The soil’s capacity to maintain a relatively stable pH despite the presence of acidifying or alkalizing factors

Question 5

Why is soil buffering important?

Answer 5

The soil must be stable and consistant enough to support plant life

Question 6

If the soil is super rich, would it be able to resist changes more easily?

Answer 6

Yes

Question 7

How does acid rain affect soil

Answer 7

It will acidify it and destroy nutrients as well as the decomposers that recycle nutrients