Soils, Vegetation, Wildlife Flashcards
1
Q
USDA Hardiness Zones (based on)
A
Average annual minimum winter temperature, divided into 10-degree F zones.
2
Q
Non-profit organization dedicated to research and education; promotes the professional practice of arboriculture and fosters a greater worldwide awareness of the benefits of trees.
A
International Society of Arboriculture (ISA)
3
Q
ISA’s (4) factors used to evaluate economic value of trees
A
size, species, condition / health, location
4
Q
The single most important factor in governing the hardiness of a plant is :
A
Min. Temperature
5
Q
Naturally occurring grasslands are a typical indication that ___ is not sufficient to produce trees.
A
Rainfall
6
Q
Clay particle size (typ)
A
.002 mm
not visible
7
Q
Silt particle size (typ)
A
.002-.05m m
not visible
8
Q
Sand particle size (typ)
A
2-.05mm
visible
9
Q
Describes the soil changes from soil to semi-solid to plastic to liquid as water is added to dry soil
A
Atterberg Limits
10
Q
Moisture content in the soil at the threshold between semi-solid and plastic
A
Plastic Limit
11
Q
Moisture content in the soil at the threshold between plastic and liquid
The minimum moisture content at which soil will flow under its own weight.
A
Liquid Limit
12
Q
Moisture content in the soil at the threshold between solid and semi-solid
Water content, expressed as a percentage of the weight of oven-dried soil, at which further loss in moisture will not cause a decrease in its volume
A
Shrinkage Limit
13
Q
The ability of organisms or tissues to function only with the presence of free oxygen
A
Aerobic
14
Q
Soil that is devoid of interstitial oxygen (most often occurs in wetlands)
A
Anaerobic
15
Q
Soil particles transported by wind
A
Aeolian
16
Q
A type of soil with characteristics resulting from prolonged saturation and anaerobic conditions. May be bluish in color
Contributes to formation of non-decomposing organic matter; may have a high or low pH
A
Hydric Soil
17
Q
The point at which soil acts like a liquid (typically occurs under earthquake conditions)
Associated with fine to medium grained sands and silts found in loosely packed layers. Greater soil density lowers risk (e.g. clay % of 15 or more substantially decreases the risk)
A
Liquefaction
18
Q
The ability of a soil to hold together under pressure from a downhill force
A
Shear Strength
19
Q
A group of processes where earth or rock material is loosened or dissolved and removed from the surface. generally caused by rain, snow, ice, wind, and human activity - construction in particular)
A
Erosion
20
Q
Soil texture type most susceptible to erosion
A
Silt
21
Q
Soil amendment that increases pH
A
Lime Wood ash Oyster shells Calcium nitrate Industrial CO (burned lime)
22
Q
Soil amendment that decreases pH
A
Iron sulphate Aluminum sulphate Calcium sulfate Sulfur (sulfuric acid) Pine needles (organic) Pine sawdust (organic) Acidic peat (organic)
23
Q
Soil amendment that decreases pH
A
Iron sulfate Aluminum sulfate Sulfur (sulfuric acid) Pine needles (organic) Pine sawdust (organic) Acidic peat (organic)
24
Q
Ideal pH range for max. absorption of nutrients
A
5.5-6.5
25
A measure of the load per unit area that a material can withstand before failure
The ability of soil to safely carry the pressure placed on the soil by any engineered structure, without undergoing shear failure (shear strength = the ability of a soil to hold together under pressure from a downhill force)
The capacity of soil to support a given load applied to the ground. The maximum average contact pressure between a structural and the soil surface on which it rests that the soil can support without failure. Expressed as force per unit surface area. ALSO: "the measure of a soil to decrease in volume under the pressure of a given weight."
Bearing Capacity
26
Resistance to crushing or buckling force
Compressive strength
27
Soil consistency that is hard and little affected by moisture
Cemented
28
Soil consistency where when moist may be crushed under moderate pressure
Firm
29
Soil consistency where when moist crushes easily under gentle pressure and can be pressed together into a lump
Friable
30
Soil consistency where when dry it is moderately resistant to pressure
Hard
31
Soil consistency where non-coherent when dry
Loose
32
Soil consistency where when wet, will be readily deformed by moderate pressure; will form a wire when rolled between thumb and forefinger
Plastic
33
Soil consistency where when wet, adheres to other material and tends to pull apart rather than pull free from other material
Sticky
34
Soil consistency where when dry, breaks into powder or single grains under slight pressure
Soft
35
The method of mechanically increasing the density of soil by reducing the total pore space
Soil Compaction
36
Angle of repose of drained sand
33%
37
Angle of repose of boulders
45%
38
Angle of repose of loam
45%
39
Angle of repose of compacted clay
65%
40
US FWS Wetland classification: open ocean and its associated coastline; includes tidal zones; most productive and fragile ecosystem on earth
Marine
41
US FWS Wetland classification: tidal waters of coastal rivers and embankments, salty tidal marshes, mangrove swamps (saltwater and brackish water)
Tidal waters of coastal rivers and embayments; salty tidal marshes; mangrove swamps; tidal flats
Estuarine
42
US FWS Wetland classification: related to rivers and streams (often bordered by Riparian Buffers)
Lacustrine: lakes, reservoirs, large ponds
Riverine
43
US FWS Wetland classification:
Associated with lakes, reservoirs, large pools
Lacustrine
44
US FWS Wetland classification: marshes, wet meadows, fens, bogs, playas and swamps
Palustrine
45
Low marshy ground containing peat rich in mineral salts; alkaline rather than acidic.
receives nutrients from groundwater
Fen
46
An area having wet, spongy, acidic soil composed chiefly of sphagnum moss and peat in which characteristic shrubs, herbs, and sometimes trees, grow. Organic soil, unlike other wetlands that have mineral soil.
A type of wetland found in northern climates characterized by acidic soils, rich deposits of organic material (such as peat), and a diversity of vegetation types.
Water source: rainfall
Bog
47
Consolidates the creation of smaller wetlands; transfers the responsibility of creating wetlands to others; provides incentives for people to restore wetlands.
Wetland banking / compensatory mitigation
48
Wetland Remediation Techniques
solidification, soil vapor extraction, incineration, bioremediation, soil washing, solvent extraction, dechlorination, phytoremediation, air sparging, passive treatment wells
49
A natural community where dominant plants are grasses
Grassland
50
Term used to describe a field of permanent grass used for hay, but also applied to rich, waterside grazing areas not suitable for arable cultivation
Periodically inundated wetland that may or may not have water present
Meadows
51
Area of soft, wet, low-lying land characterized by grassy vegetation that is not woody; often forms a transition zone between water and land
A type of wetland characterized by herbaceous vegetation no taller than 6 ft.
Marsh
52
A shallow central basin of a plain where water gathers after a rain and is evaporated
Playa
53
Narrow zone of habitats, may or may not be vegetated, directly associated with streamsides or lake shores, or similar immediately adjacent habitat
Riparian wetland
54
Areas of brackish, shallow water usually found in coastal areas and in deltas; also inland marshes in arid areas where the water has a high salt level due to evaporation
Salt marsh
55
Plant communities and trees and inhabit tidal swamps, muddy silt, and sand banks at the mouths of rivers and other low-lying areas regularly inundated by the sea but protected from strong wave and current action. Only woody species that will grow where the land is periodically flooded with sea water.
Mangrove
56
The ability of a soil to return to its original shape after being subjected to a load condition.
Soil Elasticity
57
The ability of a soil to be deformed under pressure without breaking apart
Soil Plasticity
58
A condition typically caused by iron deficiency and is typically manifested by yellowed leaves with green veins. Overwatering and lack of aeration are typically the cause.
Iron deficiency may be because iron is missing from the soil or because the iron is “tied up” and unavailable to the plant’s roots (may be due to a soil pH that is too high or too low). A magnesium deficiency may also cause leaves to yellow while veins remain green
Chlorosis
59
Condition of abnormal growth in vascular plants in which the apical meristem (growing top), which is normally concentrated around a single point and produces approximately cylindrical tissues, instead becomes elongated perpendicularly in the direction of growth, thus producing flattened, ribbon-like crested, or elaborately contorted tissue.
May be attributed to frost, insect, or physical damage early in a stem’s development
Fasciation (or “cresting”)
60
(3) Defining Attributes of Wetlands
Hydrology
Soils
Vegetation
61
Sign of Nitrogen Excess
Root burn
62
Sign of Over Watering
Root rot
63
Soil pH ranges
```
>8.5 = strongly alkaline
8.0-8.5 = medium alkaline
7.0-8.0 = slightly alkaline
6.0 -7.0 = slightly acidic
5.5-6.0 = medium acidic
<5.5 = strongly acidic
```
64
Loam composition
Generally consists of 40% sand, 40% silt, 20% clay
65
Benefits of gypsum
Improves aeration
66
Well Graded Soil
Soil that has a wide range of even distribution of particle sizes, in which the small soil particles fill the voids created by the larger grains.
67
2 Most Important Factors in Determining Vegetation Types (Undisturbed Sites)
Moisture and temperature
68
Layers of sedimentary rock or soil, or igneous rock that were formed at the Earth's surface, with internally consistent characteristics that distinguish it from other layers.
Strata
69
Soil texture type: small grain size, moderate permeability; high erodibility
Silty Soils (over 40% silt)
70
Platy, blocky, prismatic, granular, columnar, structureless
Soil Structure Classifications
71
A layer under the surface where the soil pores contain a mixture of air and water
Vadose Zone
72
Soil amendment that improves structure; also reduces salt toxicity in heavily irrigated soils; provides sulfur and calcium; may improve permeability; does not significantly impact pH
Gypsum (calcium sulfate dihydrate)
73
Macronutrient in soil that is an essential part of plant cell wall structure, which provides for cellular-level retention and transport of elements and plant strength overall; Signs of deficiency: deformed tips of leaves and little root growth
Calcium (Ca)
74
Soil texture type: low permeability / impermeable; heavy weight; expansive (heaves / swells when wet; shrinks when dry); low water availability at low moisture content; colloidal content describes presence of this particle in a sample (suspension of finely divided particles); particles do not rapidly settle out of suspension and are not readily filtered; erodible to highly erodible
Clayey Soils (over 35% clay)
75
Macronutrient in soil responsible for healthy growth, strong roots, fruit and flower development, greater disease resistance; enhances photosynthesis, nitrogen fixation, flowering, fruiting, maturation.
Phosphorus (P)
76
Natural sources of phosphorus
rock phosphate, guano, bone meal
77
Describes the arrangement of the solid components of the soil, of the pore space located between them, and formation of aggregates; influences soil permeability and aeration (important for plant growth); dependant on parent material, formation conditions, presence of clay and organics, recent management history (adversely affected by compaction and when soils are worked when wet - over 15% moisture content)
Soil Structure
78
The layers in a typical soil profile which have distinctly different physical, chemical, and biological qualities.
Soil Horizons
79
A soil profile layer : partially weathered rock fragments
Soil Horizon “C”
80
A soil profile layer : organic matter in a recognizable form, including leaves and partially decomposed matter
Soil Horizon “O”
81
Soil pH 7-14; usually associated with areas of lower rainfall; micronutrients may be less available in soils with low pH - optimal nutrient availability for most plants is bw 6.5-7.5; plants that prefer this soil type: barberry, lavender, salvia
Alkaline Soils (features / causes)
82
Contributing factors to alkaline soil
Parent material (limestone, sepentine)
Climate (low rainfall)
Moist soil, poor drainage
83
Signs of __ deficiency in soil: tips and edges of oldest leaves begin to yellow (chlorosis) and die (appear burned on edges)
Signs of Potassium Deficiency
84
Macronutrient in soil that is essential for photosynthesis; also helps activate many plant enzymes needed for growth; deficiency: yellowing of leaves and purple leaf margins
Magnesium (Mg)
85
Macronutrient in soil that is essential for protein production; helps in chlorophyll formation; improves root growth and seed production; helps with vigorous plant growth and resistance to cold; Deficiency: yellow and brown leaves
Sulfur (S)
86
Presence of significant amounts of water in the soil lowers its bearing capacity, particularly for clays and silts. Water is a lubricant, lowering frictional forces between individual soil particles (why many building foundations have sub-drains and constructed slopes along highways have extensive underdrain systems); engineering design looks at worst case scenarios.
Soil Water / Impact on Bearing Capacity
87
Soil texture type: drains quickly, light weight, non-expansive, erodible
Sandy Soils (over 45% sand)
88
When water carries nutrients out of the soil as it drains; occurs in sandy soils
Leaching
89
A test used to determine the amount of macro and micro nutrients in the soil, organic matter content, pH value, USDA soil classification; may be used to guide plant growth (right plant right place / amendments needed)
Soil Test Report
90
Signs of __ deficiency in soil: stunted, thin-stemmed, spindly; foliage (particularly lower leaves) may be red or purple
Signs of Phosphorus Deficiency
91
A soil profile layer: bedrock
Soil Horizon “D”
92
Micronutrients in Soil (types and their function)
Iron, manganese, zinc, copper, boron, molybdenum Availability in soil determined by: abundance of parent minerals present, chemical conditions in the soil (pH in particular), rate of nutrient movement in soil within compounds (many are immobile, which helps with retention) Signs of iron deficiency: chlorosis, death of leaf edges, stunted growth
93
A feature of soils that affects how well nutrients and water are retained; clays and organic soils hold nutrients and water better than sandy soils
Soil Texture
94
A soil profile layer : nutrients left by rain water leaching; hardpans & clay pans develop here
Soil Horizon “B”
95
Signs of Nitrogen Deficiency
Pale yellow green color (chlorosis), stunted appearance, thin stems. Impacts lower leaves more.
96
Soil texture type: Blend of soil types; highly valuable as agricultural soil; very good drainage, moderately permeable, high water holding capability; slight erosion potential; highly fertile; easily worked
Loam (typ. <40% clay w/ good particle size distribution)
97
Macronutrient in soil responsible for vegetative growth above ground; sturdy growth and rapid maturity; dark green foliage; helps seed and fruit production; improves leaf growth;
Nitrogen (N)
98
Natural sources of Nitrogen
blood meal, alfalfa meal, feather meal, fish emulsion, manure.
99
Soil pH 0-7; higher % organic matter; often associated with areas of higher rainfall; contributing factors: rainfall and leaching*, parent material**, organic matter decay, harvest of high-yielding crops; (*reduces calcium, magnesium, sodium, potassium) (** e.g. silica oxide); macronutrients may be less available in soils with low pH; optimal nutrient availability for most plants is bw 6.5-7.5; plants that prefer this soil type: blueberry, azalea, heather, cranberry
Acidic Soil (features / causes)
100
Macronutrient in soil that helps plants resist diseases, prevents excess water loss and increases water uptake by roots; helps plants to adapt to environmental stresses, including cold; known to activate 80 different plant enzymes
K (Potassium / Potash)
101
Natural Source of Potassium
Potassium sulfate
Granite dust
Wood ash
Kelp meal
102
A soil profile layer : heavy non-recognizable organic matter mixed with minerals
Soil Horizon “A”
103
An indicator of soil fertility; positively charged plant nutrients are attracted to negatively charged clay particles and organics, results in reduced leaching. A higher value CEC = greater soil fertility
Cation Exchange Capacity (CEC)
104
Universal Soil Loss Equation (USLE); Revised Universal Soil Loss Equation (RUSLE)
An equation used to predict long-term annual rates of erosion based on rainfall, soil type, crop system, and management practices (average soil loss in tons per acre per year) Factors considered: rainfall, soil erodibility, slopes, vegetative cover, management
105
Address Soil Compaction
Loosen soil, aerate
106
Address Poorly Draining Soils
Install drain lines, bore through hardpan
107
Six principles of healthy soil management
1) Enhance organic matter 2) Avoid excessive tillage 3) Manage pests and nutrients efficiently 4) Prevent soil compaction 5) Keep the ground covered with vegetation or mulch 6) Increase plant species diversity
108
Maximum angle of a stable slope determined by friction, cohesion, and particle shape. Typically between 25-45 degrees for soils, sands, and gravels. Clays lose cohesion when saturation and may be as low as 15 degrees. Good soil structure (aggregation into peds) may permit a higher angle.
Angle of Repose
109
Soil at or below the freezing point of water for two or more years. Construction is difficult but may be addressed by piles, a thick gravel pad, or ammonia heat pipes
Permafrost
110
Elements of Vegetation Inventory (6)
1) plant communities 2) species lists 3) edge profiles 4) rare and endangered species 5) fire history 6) physiognomic profiles
111
Factors Influencing Plant Distribution (8)
1) Duration of growing season 2) Point of succession 3) Ground temperature 4) Continuous wind 5) Soil moisture 6) Soil depth 7) Disturbance 8) Wildlife populations and browse patterns
112
Vegetation Types (9)
1) Forest 2) Woodland 3) Savanna 4) Scrub 5) Grassland 6) Tundra 7) Swamp (wetland) 8) Marsh (wetland) 9) Bog (wetland)
113
Plants that tolerate high-salt soils (plant classification by habitat preference)
Halophytic
114
Plants that tolerate dry soils (plant classification by habitat preference)
Xerophytic
115
Plants that prefer moderately moist soils (plant classification by habitat preference)
Mesophytic
116
Plants that prefer wet soils or float in the water (plant classification by habitat preference)
Hydrophytic
117
Elements of wildlife inventory (5)
1) Species 2) Population 3) Distribution 4) Habitat values 5) Rare and endangered species
118
When a large plot is used to characterize the most representative plant community.
Releve
119
In general, a series of squares of a set size are placed in a habitat of interest and the species within those areas are identified and recorded.
Quadrant sampling
120
Soils on slopes tend to have:
Less developed soil horizons
121
Causes of chlorosis
```
Poor drainage
Damaged roots
Compacted roots
High alkalinity
Nutrient deficiency (N, K, iron, magnesium)
```
122
Classification system that distinguishes soils based on their engineering performance as a construction material.
Considers texture, gradation, plasticity, and organic matter content.
Broadly categorizes soils as:
Coarse grained (sands, gravels)
Fine-grained (silts, clays)
Organic (peat
Unified Soil Classification System (USCS)
