All Flashcards
What is the role of parent material in soil formation?
Provides the raw mineral ingredients for soil.
Why is weathering important for soil formation?
Breaks down parent material into smaller, usable components.
How does biological activity contribute to soil formation?
Adds organic matter and nutrients through decomposition.
Why is topsoil the most fertile layer?
It has the highest concentration of organic matter and nutrients.
What is the significance of soil horizons?
They represent different stages of soil development and have unique characteristics.
Why is vegetation important for preventing soil erosion?
Plant roots hold soil in place, and plant cover protects the soil surface.
What are the effects of sediment pollution on aquatic life?
Clouds water, reduces sunlight, and clogs waterways.
How does soil act as a natural filter?
It removes pollutants from water as it percolates through the soil layers.
What is the main difference between soil erosion and soil degradation?
Erosion is physical removal; degradation is loss of quality.
What caused the Dust Bowl?
Over-farming, drought, and lack of soil conservation.
Define Parent Material.
Underlying rock that breaks down to form soil.
Define Weathering.
Breakdown of parent material into smaller pieces (physical/chemical).
Define Soil Horizon.
A distinct layer within a soil profile.
Define Humus.
Surface litter, decaying organic matter in the O horizon.
Define Topsoil.
Mixture of organic matter and minerals; the A horizon.
Define Eluviation.
Process of leaching nutrients from the E horizon.
Define Subsoil.
Zone of accumulation; the B horizon.
Define Soil Erosion.
Removal of topsoil by wind or water.
Define Sediment Pollution.
Pollution caused by eroded soil entering waterways.
Define Soil Degradation.
Loss of soil quality due to nutrient depletion or pollution.
What are the steps of soil formation?
Parent material, weathering, deposition, biological activity.
Describe the process of eluviation.
Water carries nutrients from the E horizon to lower layers.