Soils Physical and Chemical Properties Flashcards
1.1a Describe the natural processes of soil formation
Weathering of parent rock
- physical
- chemical
- biological
1.1b Describe the natural processes of soil formation
Addition of organic matter
1.1c Describe the natural processes of soil formation
Development of main horizons
- organic layer
- top soil
- subsoil
- parent rock
1.2a State the properties of topsoil that contribute to the healthy growth of plants
Top soil
- organic matter content (living and dead organisms, humus)
- colour
- pore space
- aeration
- water content
- nutrient content
- suitability for plant growth
1.2b State the properties of subsoil that contribute to the healthy growth of plants
Subsoil
- organic matter content (living and dead organisms, humus)
- colour
- pore space
- aeration
- water content
- nutrient content
- suitability for plant growth
1.31a Define the term ‘soil texture’
soil texture
1.31b State the Soil Survey England and Wales definition of particle size for stones
stones
1.31c State the Soil Survey England and Wales definition of particle size for sand
sand
1.31d State the Soil Survey England and Wales definition of particle size for silt
silt
1.31e State the Soil Survey England and Wales definition of particle size for clay
clay
1.32a Describe the characteristics of sandy loam soil
Sandy Loam
- feel
- nutrients
- water retention
- temperature
1.32b Describe the characteristics of siltyloam soil
silty loam
- feel
- nutrients
- water retention
- temperature
1.32c Describe the characteristics of clay loam soil
clay loam
- feel
- nutrients
- water retention
- temperature
1.41 Define the term ‘soil structure’
soil structure:
1.42 Define the term ‘crum structure’ and describe its 2 influences on plant growth in the root environment
Crumb structure:
- crumb formation
- crumb destruction
1.43a Describe the relation between pore space, air and water in the root environment
- Pore space
- Air
- Water
Saturation point
Field Capacity
Available Water content
Permanent wilting point
Soil moisture deficit
1.43b Describe the root environment to include the importance of an appropriate balance between air and water for the healthy growth of plants
1.51 Describe how the root environtment can be improved and protected by single digging cultivation
Single digging
1.51b Describe how the root environtment can be improved and protected by double digging cultivation
double digging
1.51c Describe how the root environtment can be improved and protected by rotary cultivation
1.51d Describe how the root environtment can be improved and protected by forking cultivation
1.51e Describe how the root environtment can be improved and protected by raking cultivation
1.51f Describe how the root environtment can be improved and protected by consolidation cultivation
1.51g Describe how the root environtment can be improved and protected by ‘no dig’ method of cultivation
1.51h Describe how the root environtment can be improved and protected by bed systems of cultivation
1.52a Describe how the root environtment can be improved and protected by the addition of organic material
1.52b Describe how the root environtment can be improved and protected by the addition of inorganic material
inorganic material:
- grit
- sand
- lime
1.53a Describe how the root environtment can be improved and protected by the avoidance and removal of compaction (pans and surface ‘after capping’)
Mulching
1.53b Describe how the root environtment can be improved and protected by the avoidance and removal of compaction (pans and surface ‘after capping’)
green manure
1.53c Describe how the root environtment can be improved and protected by the avoidance and removal of compaction (pans and surface ‘after capping’)
timing of cultivation
1.53d Describe how the root environtment can be improved and protected by the avoidance and removal of compaction (pans and surface ‘after capping’)
‘sub-soiling’
