Soil Ecology

Question 1

Abiotic soil factors

Answer 1

Soil texture, soil pH, temperature and moisture.

Question 2

Soil texture

Answer 2

Ratio of sand, silt and clay determines drainability aeration and root penetration of soils.

Question 3

Soil pH

Answer 3

Affects bioavailability of nutrients and can denature/catalyze enzymes.

Question 4

Temperature

Answer 4

Plays a major role on the metabolic rates of the microbes present.

Question 5

Moisture

Answer 5

Greatly affects the growth and support of all life in the soil.

Question 6

Biotic factors

Answer 6

Microorganisms and plant roots.

Question 7

Microorganisms in soil.

Answer 7

1. Nitrosomonas NO2 nitrification
2. Mycorrrhizae Ph transfer
3. Rhizobium NH4 nodules

Question 8

Native broadleaf trees

Answer 8

1. Ashe Fraxinous excelsior
2. Oak Quercus robur
3. Birch Betula pendula

Question 9

Native soils

Answer 9

1. Brown earth soils
2. Podzols
3. Gley soils

Question 10

Brown earth soils

Answer 10

Fertile, draining and moist.

Question 11

Podzols

Answer 11

Acidic, infertile and contain metal ions.

Question 12

Gley soils

Answer 12

Waterlogged, low aeration and “flooded foot” syndrome.

Question 13

Example of microfauna in soil

Answer 13

Nematoda spp.

Question 14

Native tree adapted to life in waterlogged soils

Answer 14

Hazel (Corylus avellana) and Alder (alnus glutinosa)