Soils

Question 1

Soil

Answer 1

Organic and inorganic material located above bedrock and capable of supporting life.

Question 2

Residual material

Answer 2

Stays in place. (Inorganic part)

Question 3

Transported material

Answer 3

Weathered elsewhere and deposited.

Question 4

Decomposer

Answer 4

Bacteria, fungi, worms, insects.. convert dead tissue to humus.

Question 5

Humus

Answer 5

Stable and able to hold nutrients.

Question 6

Texture

Answer 6

Combination of particle sizes.
Clay soils (smallest), silty soils (intermediate), sandy soils (largest).
Loamy soils are all mixed together.
Texture important in water holding.

Question 7

Cation exchange capacity

Answer 7

Ability of soil to hold onto nutrients; measure of fertility (effected by clay and humus content).

Question 8

Soil pH

Answer 8

Measure of acidity and alkalinity.

Question 9

Soil horizons

Answer 9

Many soils develop distinct horizons.

Question 10

O layer

Answer 10

Surface covered by organic material (decomposed and undecomposed).

Question 11

A layer

Answer 11

Mix of organic and mineral material; most fertile part of soils (topsoil).

Question 12

E layer

Answer 12

Soluble minerals leached out (zone of eluviation).

Question 13

B layer

Answer 13

Most leached material accumulates in this layer (zone of illuviation).

Question 14

C layer

Answer 14

Weathered bedrock.

Question 15

Bedrock (D or R layer)

Answer 15

Base layer.

Question 16

Leaching

Answer 16

Water carries soluble materials lower in soil.

Question 17

Effects

Answer 17

Topography (steep slopes have much erosion, so little soil development/poor drainage).
Climate is most important.
Parent material: what minerals are available?
Vegetation: adds organic matter, may affect pH.
Time

Question 18

Podzolization

Answer 18

Coniferous forests in humid mid latitudes.

Heavy leaching, so mostly silica in A layer.

Question 19

Calcification

Answer 19

Dry regions; soluble minerals leached short distance and deposited.

Question 20

Salinization

Answer 20

Desert soils with much salt.

Salts accumulate on surface when water evaporates.

Question 21

Laterization

Answer 21

Tropical areas with very high rainfall; extreme leaching leaves soil of quartz, iron, and aluminum.

Question 22

Gleization

Answer 22

Poorly drained soils accumulate organic matter (peat).