All Flashcards
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.
Steps of soil formation?
Parent material, Weathering, Deposition, Biological activity.
What is the first step of soil formation?
Parent material: the underlying rock that will eventually break down into soil.
What is the second step of soil formation?
Weathering: the parent material is broken down into smaller pieces by physical and chemical weathering.
What is the third step of soil formation?
Deposition: New materials are added to the soil through wind and water.
What is the fourth step of soil formation?
Biological Activity: Mosses and other small plants add organic matter and nutrients to the soil.
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.