Soil Profile Flashcards
____________ of different layers of soil observed from the surface down to the underlying rock
vertical arrangement
each layer is called ___________ and they have distinct characteristics formed through soil formation processes
horizons
the 3 major horizons
A horizon
B horizon
C horizon
also known as the A horizon
topsoil
a major horizon in which it is a mixture of minerals and organic material
A horizon
a major horizon in which it is essential for plant growth and dark due to the organic matter
A horizon
a major horizon in which it is the center of biological activity, where plant roots and soil organisms are abundant
A horizon
also known as the B horizon
subsoil
a major horizon in which it contains minerals
B horizons
examples of minerals in B horizon
iron, aluminum, and clay deposited from above
a major horizon in which it is denser than A horizon with less organic material
B horizon
a major horizon in which it acts as a reservoir of minerals for plants
B horizon
also known as the C horizon
parent material
a major horizon in which it is partially weathered rock
C horizon
the other horizons in soil profile
O, E, R horizon
also known as the O horizon
Organic Layer
a horizon in which it is decomposing organic material (i.e. leaves, grass, and other plant debris)
O horizon
a horizon in which it is the topmost layer
O horizon
also known as the E horizon
Eluviation Layer
a horizon in which it lacks minerals and organic matter due to leaching
E horizon
a horizon in which it is the light-colored or grayish layer
E horizon
the process of water carrying materials downward
leaching
also known as the R horizon
Bedrock
a horizon in which it is a solid rock
R horizon
a horizon in which it is unaffected by weathering
R horizon
a horizon in which it is the bottommost layer of the soil profile
R horizon
5 human activities that degrade soil quality
soil erosion, soil compaction, desertification, intensive agriculture, and urbanization
a human activity that degrade soil quality in which it is the process that the soil particles are loosened or washed away in the valleys, oceans, rivers, streams or faraway lands
soil erosion
a human activity that degrade soil quality in which it is a non stoppable process that occurs either slowly at a higher rate
soil erosion
a human activity that degrade soil quality in which the roots hold the plants
soil erosion
a human activity that degrade soil quality in which it is caused by too much rain
soil erosion
a human activity that degrade soil quality in which it causes the loss of topsoil and nutrients in the soil.
soil erosion
a human activity that degrade soil quality in which it is indeed the most visible effect of soil degradation
soil erosion
a human activity that degrade soil quality in which it is a natural process but is often made much worse by poor management practices.
soil erosion
a human activity that degrade soil quality in which it reduces the amount of air, water, and space available to roots and soil organisms
soil compaction
a human activity that degrade soil quality in which it is caused by repeated traffic or traveling on wet soil.
soil compaction
a human activity that degrade soil quality in which it is the irreversible change of the land to such a state where it can no longer be recovered for its original use
desertification
a human activity that degrade soil quality in which it is characterized by droughts and arid conditions as a result of human activities and exploitation
desertification
a human activity that degrade soil quality in which it is a major threat to world soils and currently affects about one-sixth of the world’s population and a quarter of the world’s land.
desertification
a human activity that degrade soil quality in which it has been increasing since the 1960s in an effort to feed the world population more efficiently
intensive agriculture
a human activity that degrade soil quality in which it led to the use of more and heavier machinery, deforestation, and clearing of land for cultivation
intensive agriculture
a human activity that degrade soil quality in which it led to the loss of organic matter, soil compaction, and damage to soil physical properties.
intensive agriculture
a human activity that degrade soil quality in which it led to contaminated soil and water supplies, leading to further loss of soil fauna and flora which are essential parts of a healthy soil.
intensive agriculture
a human activity that degrade soil quality in which it is the increasing population has led to the conversion of land to urban centers which are generally characterized by concrete structures, roads, and pavements.
urbanization
a human activity that degrade soil quality in which these concrete structures represent a significant loss of soil, which is more or less permanent as soil is sealed with concrete.
urbanization
a human activity that degrade soil quality in which such sealing hinders the soil’s interaction with the atmosphere, hydrosphere, and biosphere which affects nutrient cycling and other soil services.
urbanization
