Soil Processes Flashcards
Humification
The breakdown of plant remains which leads to the formation of different types of humus
Most important process
Leaching
Where rainfall exceeds evaporation
Free downwards movement of water through the soil pore system
Soluble minerals are leached from soil profile
Leaching is most active in sandy soils with high porosity
Least in clays which have restricted pore spaces
Capillary Action
Where evaporation exceeds precipitation moisture moves upwards
Reverse of leaching
Rarely occurs in UK
Eluviation
When minerals and humus are washed out of the A horizon
Illuviation
When materials washed into B horizon
Decomposition
The breakdown of plant derived material into its simpler organic constituent
Caused by Enzymes, Earthworms, mites and other organisms