Types of Soil Flashcards
What is sandy soil?
the poorest type of soil for agriculture because it has low nutrients and poor water holding compacity which makes it hard for the roots to absorb water.
What is silt soil?
It’s a smooth and fine quality of soil that holds water better. It is used for agriculture.
What is clay soil?
It’s the smallest particle among the other types of soil. It is very sticky to touch when it’s wet, but smooth when it’s dry.
What is loamy soil?
It’s a combination of sand, silt and clay. Also used for agriculture.
What does soil contain?
Soil contains mineral particles with various sizes, living organisms, dead materials, water, and air.
How is soil formed?
Formed by the weathering of rock.
What are the layers of soil?
Humus, topsoil, subsoil, parent material, and bedrock.
What is humus?
The surface layer that is comprised of remains of plants and animals.
What is topsoil?
Thick layer under the surface which is made up of humus and rock fragments. This is layer in which plants grow.
What is subsoil?
Contains less humus but is rich in minerals. Tree roots reach this layer.
What is parent material?
Contains rock particles that are different from bedrock.
What is bedrock?
Made up of unbroken rock and only a little bit of organic material.
Which types of soil are used for agriculture?
Silt and loamy soil.
Which soil layer is purely made up of solid rock?
Bedrock.
Which soil layer do trees roots reach?
Subsoil.
