Soil Components and uses Flashcards
What are inorganic (rock) particles?
They are formed from rocks by weathering
What are inorganic (rock) particles classified by?
They are classified by size
List the inorganic rock particles and their sizes-
Clay- Less than 0.002 mm
Silt- 0.002-0.02 mm
Sand- 0.02- 2 mm
Gravel- over 2 mm
Why are inorganic rock particles important to living organisms?
They form the soil skeleton (ouu Halloween is coming up hehe) it provides support and anchorage for plant roots.
Provide shelter for soil animals
And provide a surface for attachment of soil microorganisms.
Where can water be obtained from for soil?
Rainfall obviously, where else would it come from.. the sky?? oh wait…
How is water held around soil particles and by what forces is it held by?
It is held in a thin film around soil particles by capillary and chemical forces
Finish the sentence, the smaller the soil particles…
the larger the surface area and the more water held
Awesome job!
Why is water important?(3)
- It is essential for photosynthesis
- It dissolves mineral salts for absorption by plant roots.
- It prevents desiccation (having all the moisture removed) of organisms without a water-proof body covering (like the tiny or big earthworms, they really come in all sizes)
where can air be found in soil?
Air can be found in places between the soil particles.
the larger the soil particles…
the larger the air spaces
Why is (oxygen) O2 in soil important?
- essential for respiration of plant roots and soil organisms
- necessary for aerobic humus
Why is N2(nitrogen) in the soil necessary?
nitrogen-fixing bacteria to form nitrates
What are mineral salts formed from?
formed from humus and by dissolving from surrounding rock
What are mineral salts present as?
Mineral ions dissolved in soil water
why are mineral salts essential?
healthy plant growth
