Soil

Question 1

Soil

Answer 1

Upper (1-2m) loose part of earth’s crust. Mineral + Organic Components.

Question 2

Soil Composition (WAMO)

Answer 2

1. Minerals
2. Air
3. Water
4. Organic Matter

Question 3

*Soil Formation Factors (C-PORT)

Answer 3

Climate
Parental Material
Organisms
Relief
Time

Question 4

Soil Quality

Answer 4

Capacity of soil to sustain biological productivity, maintain environmental quality, and promote plant/animal health

Question 5

Soil Quality Indicators (POW)

Answer 5

pH
organic matter
water storage

Question 6

Soil Stability

Answer 6

capacity of soil to carry out normal functions even in presence of environmental disruption

Question 7

Earthworm Benefits

Answer 7

Improve soil quality:

1. Pore-creation (aeration + drainage)
2. Nitrogen-rich casts

Question 8

Mycorrhizae

Answer 8

Symbiotic association between a fungus and a plant (roots). Allow plants to draw more nutrients and water from the soil. Increase plant tolerance to different environmental stresses.

Question 9

Soil Function (Dubbin)

Answer 9

1. Plant Growth
2. Habitat
3. Breakdown/Recycling Organic Materials
4. Water Purification
5. Engineering Medium (roads + building foundations)

Question 10

Soil Formation Processes (ALTT)

Answer 10

1. Additions
2. Losses
3. Transformations
4. Translocations

Question 11

Soil Profile

Answer 11

Interaction between soil forming factors + processes

Question 12

Organic Matter (functions)

Answer 12

1. Nutrient Supply
2. Soil structure
3. Water-holding capacity
4. Soil Colour/Temperature
   (Humus)

Question 13

Soil Structure

Answer 13

Arrangement of sand, silt, clay and organic matter into larger units. Determined by Biological (polysaccharides or earthworms) or Abiotic factors (humus).

Question 14

Biological nitrogen fixation

Answer 14

legumes, alfalfa, grass clover, pulses, cover crops.

Question 15

Soil pH

Answer 15

pH <7 = acid, pH > 7 =alkaline.

Question 16

Soil Acidity (causes)

Answer 16

1. Heavy rainfall
2. Leaching
3. intensive Nitrogen fertilizers (amonia-based)

Question 17

Micro-Organism (Bacteria) Benefits for Soil

Answer 17

1. Produce antibiotics
2. Clean polluted soils
3. Nutrient transfer
4. control insects

Rhizobium allow for fixation of atmospheric Nitrogen. In return, bacteria receives carbs from legume.

Question 18

Soil Organisms

Answer 18

1. Micro-organisms
2. Fungi
3. Plants
4. Animals
   - ->all interact in food web

Question 19

Rhizobium

Answer 19

Bacteria associated with the formation of root nodules on plants. symbiosis with legumes. They take in nitrogen from the atmosphere and pass it on to the plant.

Question 20

Loam

Answer 20

Textural classification where no single soil (sand, silt, clay) dominates

Question 21

Soil Texture Importance

Answer 21

determines fertility, water-holding capacity & susceptibility to erosion

Question 22

Bulk Density

Answer 22

Mass of specific volume of dry soil (includes pores + solids). Organic matter decreases bulk density.

Question 23

Soil Compaction

Answer 23

increased bulk densities; reduced macro-pore space, leads to:

• restricted root growth
• reduced water infiltration
• surface run-off
• water erosion

Question 24

Fallow

Answer 24

ploughed and harrowed but left for a period without being sown in order to restore its fertility or to avoid surplus production

Question 25

Humus

Answer 25

Decomposed organic matter (healthy soil life!)

Question 26

How to: Improve Soil Quality

Answer 26

Green + Animal Manure
Organic Matter
Crop Rotation
Cover Crops
Reduce tillage

Question 27

Alkaline soil

Answer 27

ph > 7. Poor soil structure and a low infiltration capacity. Correct using Sulphur.

Question 28

Acidic soil

Answer 28

ph < 7. Decreases nutrient availability. Correct using Lime, bonemeal, wooden ash.