SOIL PROPERTIES Flashcards
PHYSICAL PROPERTIES OF SOIL
1) texture
2) structure
3) soil depth
4) topography
TEXTURAL OF LOAM SOIL
1) 45% sand
2) 35% silt
3) 20% loam
SOIL STRUCTURE
grouping of soil particles into larger aggregates
FACTOR RESULTING TO DECREASED AGGREGATE STABILITY
tillage
INDICATOR OF STABLE AGGREGATES
rapid exchange of air and water with plant roots
SOIL DEPTH
thickness of soil material providing structural support, nutrients and water
SOIL’S PERMEABILITY
measure of the ability of air and water to move through a soil
FACTORS INFLUENCING SOIL PERMEABILITY
1) soil size
2) soil shape
3) continuity of pore spaces
4) soil bulk density
5) soil structure
6) soil texture
FACTORS AFFECTING INFILTRATION RATE
1) permeability of surface soil
2) moisture content of soil
3) surface conditions (roughness, tillage, plant residue, slope)
4) plant cover
TOPOGRAPHY
1) physical configuration of soil surface
2) determines if field can be irrigated
RELIEF
1) component of topography
2) difference in height between the hills and depressions in the field
CHEMICAL PROPERTIES OF SOIL
1) pH
2) salinity (EC)
3) cation exchange capacity (CEC)
4) organic matter
5) C:N ratio
TOXIC MINERAL IN LOW PH SOILS
aluminum
MATERIALS INCREASING SOIL PH
1) lime (calcium carbonate/dolomitic lime)
2) wood ash
=> source of K, Ca, Mg
MATERIALS DECREASING SOIL PH
1) elemental sulfur
2) ammonium and ammonium-forming N fertilizers