Quiz #12 on soil
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Soil
Loose, weathered material on Earth’s surface
What are the components of perfect soil?
~45% minerals ~5% organic matter ~20-30% water ~20-30% air
What is the problem when soil particles are too small?
No space for plant roots (too compacter)
What is the problem when soil particles are too big?
• Roots can’t grip (too loose) • Drains water fast and dries out
On a soil texture triangle, which way do you read on the % silt side?
Down
On a soil texture triangle, which way do you read on the % sand side?
Up
On a soil texture triangle, which way do you read on the % clay side?
Across
What is the perfect texture of soil?
In the middle: not too small or big - About 30% clay, silt, and sand
Through what process does soil form?
Weathering
Humus
Dead plant and animal matter, top layer of soil
What are the two kinds of organisms in soil?
Decomposers and mixers
Decomposers in soil
• Form humus • Break down matter
Mixers in soil
• Put air back in soil • Mix in water and nutrients
Soil degradation
A decline in soil quality over time
Soil degradation causes
• Monoculture and over farming • Deforestation • Over grazing • Urbanization
Dust Bowl
Tragedy in the 1930s where land was so over farmed that plants couldn’t grow and keep the soil in place, so huge dust storms appeared
Soil conservation methods
• Contour farming • No till farming • Crop rotation