Soil Flashcards
0
Q
Permeability
A
The ability of water to flow through soil or rock.
1
Q
What is soil made up of?
A
Clay, sand, silt, gravel, living organisms, and decaying organic plant and animal matter called hummus.
2
Q
Porosity
A
The void space or open space among and in the particles that make up soil.
3
Q
Clay has a… (P&P)
A
Low permeability and high porosity.
4
Q
Tundra soil?
A
- moist soil
- thin layer of topsoil over permafrost
- soil nutrients are limited
- slightly acidic
- mosses, lichens, shrubs.
5
Q
Taiga soil?
A
- low in nutrience
- highly acidic
- coniferous trees
- dense mat of pine needles cover the soil
- evergreen trees
6
Q
Temperate deciduous soil?
A
- moist
- top layer is rich in minerals and humus
- tall, broad leaves trees such as maple, beech, oak, hickory and chestnut
7
Q
Grassland soil?
A
- deep layers of topsoil
- soil is rich in nutrients
- dense, tall grasses in moist areas
- short, clumped grasses in drier areas
- long dry spells and occasional fires prevent growth of trees and shrubs
8
Q
What is humus?
A
Dark organic material in soils that is produced by the decomposition of plants and animals
9
Q
Desert soil?
A
- dry soil
- sandy and nutrient-poor
- succulent plants and scattered grasses
- plants have thick, fleshy leaves or stems for storing water
10
Q
Tropical rainforest soil?
A
- moist and a thin layer of topsoil
- very low nutrients
- broad leaved evergreens and shrubs such as ferns and vines
- brightly colored flowers
11
Q
What is topsoil?
A
The soil at the surface of the earth where pants grow (most organic matter)
