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Untitled Deck Flashcards

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1
Q

Define soil using the classical definition.

A

Unconsolidated mineral or organic material on the immediate surface of the Earth that serves as a natural medium for the growth of land plants.

This definition emphasizes the role of soil in supporting plant life.

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2
Q

Why was a newer definition of soil introduced?

A

To include soils beyond Earth and to emphasize that soil is affected by physical, chemical, and biological processes and can hold liquids, gases, and biota.

This broader definition reflects the complexity of soil as a dynamic system.

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3
Q

What three types of processes affect soil?

A
  • Physical
  • Chemical
  • Biological

These processes interact to shape soil characteristics and functions.

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4
Q

In what three ways does soil vary?

A
  • Horizontally across landscapes
  • Vertically with depth
  • Over time

These variations influence soil properties and ecosystem functions.

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5
Q

Why is soil considered dynamic?

A

Because it evolves over time due to ongoing physical, chemical, and biological processes.

This dynamism is crucial for understanding soil health and management.

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6
Q

What is the soil formation equation?

A

S = f(cl, o, p, t, r)

This equation represents the factors influencing soil development.

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7
Q

What does “cl” represent in the soil formation equation?

A

Climate

Climate affects soil moisture, temperature, and biological activity.

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8
Q

What does “o” represent?

A

Organisms

Organisms contribute to soil formation through processes like decomposition.

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9
Q

What does “p” represent?

A

Parent material

Parent material is the geological material from which soil develops.

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10
Q

What does “t” represent?

A

Time

Time is essential for the development of soil horizons and properties.

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11
Q

What does “r” represent?

A

Relief (topography)

Relief influences drainage and moisture retention in soils.

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12
Q

What is the difference between soil forming factors and soil forming processes?

A
  • Factors explain why soils develop in a certain way
  • Processes describe how soils physically change

Understanding both is crucial for soil science.

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13
Q

Name the four soil forming processes.

A
  • Additions
  • Losses
  • Transfers (translocations)
  • Transformations

These processes describe how soil composition and structure change over time.

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14
Q

Give an example of an addition process.

A

Organic matter accumulation from plant residues.

This process enhances soil fertility.

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15
Q

Give an example of a loss process.

A

Leaching of nutrients or erosion of topsoil.

Loss processes can degrade soil quality.

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16
Q

Give an example of a transfer process.

A

Movement of clay from the A horizon to the Bt horizon.

This process affects soil texture and structure.

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17
Q

Give an example of a transformation process.

A

Weathering of minerals or decomposition of organic matter.

Transformation processes are crucial for nutrient cycling.

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18
Q

What is parent material?

A

The original geological material from which soil develops.

Parent material influences soil texture and fertility.

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19
Q

How old are most prairie soils in Canada?

A

Less than 12,000 years old.

This age reflects the recent geological history of the region.

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20
Q

What deposited most prairie soils?

A

Retreating glaciers.

Glacial activity significantly shaped the soil landscape.

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21
Q

What is glacial till?

A

Material deposited directly by glacier ice.

Glacial till is often unsorted and varies in composition.

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22
Q

What is lacustrine parent material?

A

Sediment deposited in lakes.

This material can be rich in nutrients and organic matter.

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23
Q

What deposited the clay of the Red River Valley?

A

Glacial Lake Agassiz.

This lake was a significant source of sediment for the region.

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24
Q

What is eolian parent material?

A

Wind-deposited sediment.

Eolian deposits can create unique soil characteristics.

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25
What soil property is most directly controlled by **parent material**?
Texture. ## Footnote Texture influences water retention and nutrient availability.
26
How does parent material influence **fertility**?
By determining mineral composition and potential CEC. ## Footnote Cation exchange capacity (CEC) affects nutrient availability.
27
What are the **three main climate components** affecting soil formation?
* Water * Temperature * Wind ## Footnote These components interact to shape soil characteristics.
28
List **four roles of water** in soil formation.
* Solvent * Transport medium * Reaction environment * Erosion agent ## Footnote Water is essential for chemical reactions and nutrient transport.
29
How does increasing **precipitation** affect soil development?
Increases leaching and horizon differentiation. ## Footnote This can lead to more distinct soil layers.
30
How does **temperature** influence soil formation?
Controls reaction rates and biological activity. ## Footnote Temperature affects decomposition and nutrient cycling.
31
How does **cold climate** affect organic matter?
Slows decomposition, increasing organic matter accumulation. ## Footnote This can lead to higher organic content in soils.
32
How do **grasslands** influence soil horizons?
Produce thick Ah horizons due to root biomass. ## Footnote Grassland soils are often rich in organic matter.
33
How do **forests** influence soil horizons?
Promote development of Ae horizons through leaching. ## Footnote Forest soils can have distinct layers due to organic matter decomposition.
34
What are **soil micro-biota** primarily responsible for?
Decomposition and organic matter formation. ## Footnote Micro-biota play a crucial role in nutrient cycling.
35
How do **earthworms** affect soil structure?
Create pores and mix soil materials. ## Footnote Earthworms enhance soil aeration and drainage.
36
How does **relief** affect drainage?
Knolls drain rapidly; depressions drain poorly. ## Footnote Topography significantly influences soil moisture conditions.
37
Why are **depressions** often darker?
Greater moisture and organic matter accumulation. ## Footnote This can lead to richer soil profiles.
38
Which slope receives more **solar radiation** in the Northern Hemisphere?
South-facing slopes. ## Footnote This can affect soil temperature and moisture.
39
How does **time** affect soil?
Increases horizon development and weathering intensity. ## Footnote Over time, soils become more differentiated.
40
What are the major **soil horizons**?
* O * A * B * C ## Footnote Each horizon has distinct characteristics and functions.
41
What is the **Ae horizon**?
An eluviated, bleached A horizon with loss of clay and organic matter. ## Footnote This horizon is often lighter in color due to leaching.
42
What does **Bt** indicate?
Clay accumulation in the B horizon. ## Footnote This horizon often has a denser texture.
43
What does **Bm** indicate?
Weakly developed B horizon. ## Footnote This horizon may show initial signs of soil development.
44
What does **Ck** indicate?
Presence of carbonates in the C horizon. ## Footnote Carbonates can affect soil pH and fertility.
45
What does “**ss**” represent in a horizon?
Slickensides caused by shrink-swell clays. ## Footnote This feature indicates soil movement and structural changes.
46
Define **soil texture**.
The relative proportion of sand, silt, and clay in the fine earth fraction. ## Footnote Texture influences water retention and nutrient availability.
47
Sand particle size range?
0.05–2.00 mm. ## Footnote Sand has larger particles compared to silt and clay.
48
Clay particle size?
Less than 0.002 mm. ## Footnote Clay has the smallest particle size, affecting its properties.
49
Which texture is most ideal for most **crops**?
Loam. ## Footnote Loam balances drainage and nutrient retention.
50
Why do **sandy soils** drain quickly?
Large particle size creates large pores. ## Footnote This can lead to lower water retention.
51
Why do **clay soils** drain slowly?
Very small particles create small pores. ## Footnote This can lead to higher water retention.
52
What is **CEC**?
The total number of exchangeable cations a soil can hold. ## Footnote CEC is crucial for nutrient availability.
53
Why do clays have higher **CEC** than sands?
Greater surface area and more negative charge. ## Footnote This allows clays to hold more nutrients.
54
What is the typical **pH range** of Manitoba soils?
4.5 to 8.5. ## Footnote Soil pH affects nutrient availability and microbial activity.
55
Why is soil **pH** important?
It controls nutrient availability. ## Footnote pH influences the chemical forms of nutrients.
56
How do **sandy soils** typically compare in pH?
Often more acidic. ## Footnote This can affect plant growth and nutrient uptake.
57
What is **soil structure**?
The arrangement of soil particles into aggregates. ## Footnote Structure affects aeration, drainage, and root penetration.
58
How is texture different from **structure**?
* Texture is fixed particle size * Structure is aggregation and can change ## Footnote Understanding both is essential for soil management.
59
What improves **soil structure**?
Organic matter. ## Footnote Organic matter enhances aggregation and porosity.
60
What damages **soil structure**?
Compaction and poor management. ## Footnote These factors can lead to reduced soil health.
61
What soil order forms under **grasslands**?
Chernozemic. ## Footnote Chernozem soils are rich in organic matter.
62
What soil order forms under **mixed forest**?
Luvisolic. ## Footnote Luvisols are characterized by clay accumulation.
63
What soil order is characterized by **cracking and swelling clays**?
Vertisolic. ## Footnote Vertisols can pose challenges for agriculture due to their physical properties.
64
What soil order forms in **permafrost regions**?
Cryosolic. ## Footnote Cryosolic soils are influenced by freeze-thaw cycles.
65
What soil order is the **youngest** and least developed?
Regosolic. ## Footnote Regosols often lack distinct horizons.
66
Order prairie soils from **driest to wettest**.
* Brown * Dark Brown * Black * Gray ## Footnote Soil moisture influences vegetation and land use.
67
Which **Chernozem** has the thickest **Ah horizon**?
Black Chernozem. ## Footnote This horizon is rich in organic matter.
68
Which **Chernozem** forms in **semi-arid climates**?
Brown Chernozem. ## Footnote This soil type is adapted to drier conditions.
69
What horizon characterizes **Luvisols**?
Bt horizon. ## Footnote This horizon indicates clay accumulation.
70
What characterizes **Vertisols**?
Shrink-swell clay, deep cracks, slickensides. ## Footnote These features can complicate land management.
71
Why does increasing **precipitation** lead to **Gray soils**?
Increased leaching removes organic matter and clay from upper horizons. ## Footnote This process can lead to less fertile soils.
72
Why are **clay soils** often more **fertile**?
Higher CEC and nutrient retention. ## Footnote Clay's ability to hold nutrients supports plant growth.
73
Why is **texture** considered a **stable soil property**?
It is determined by parent material and cannot easily be changed. ## Footnote This stability is important for long-term soil management.
74
Why might a field contain **multiple soil types**?
Variation in relief and drainage across the landscape. ## Footnote This diversity can support different crops and ecosystems.
75
How does **relief** influence soil development within a single field?
Different drainage patterns create different moisture conditions and therefore different soil processes. ## Footnote This can lead to a mosaic of soil types.
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