All Flashcards
Why does organic matter increase water retention?
Organic matter acts like a sponge, holding more water.
How does particle size affect porosity?
Larger particles = larger pores = higher porosity.
How does particle size affect permeability?
Larger particles = higher permeability.
What is the relationship between soil compaction and permeability?
High compaction = low permeability.
How do fungi and bacteria affect soil?
They play a huge role in soil composition and nutrient cycles.
What does a high cation exchange capacity indicate?
Stable pH and nutrient levels in the soil.
Why is soil aeration important for plants?
Good aeration provides plants with necessary air, water, and nutrients.
How does soil pH affect plant growth?
Soil pH impacts what nutrients are available and therefore which plants can grow.
What characteristics define a fertile soil?
Adequate nutrients (N, P, K) and organic matter.
What is the importance of soil as an ecosystem?
Soil teems with life, with fungi and bacteria playing key roles in nutrient cycles.
What is water-holding capacity?
The amount of water soil can hold against gravity.
Define soil porosity.
How much pore space there is in soil.
Define soil permeability.
How easily water and nutrients move through soil.
What is soil fertility?
The soil's ability to support plant growth, depending on nutrients and organic matter.
Define cation exchange capacity.
The ability of soil particles to attract positively charged ions (cations).
What is soil aeration?
How well soil can take in air, water, and nutrients.
Define soil compaction.
How tightly packed soil particles are.
What is loam?
A balanced mix of sand, silt, and clay, optimal for water retention and plant growth.
Define soil pH.
How acidic or basic the soil is, impacting what plants can grow.
Define soil texture.
The relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay in a soil.
How does particle size affect water retention?
Smaller particles = higher water retention.
How does organic matter affect water retention?
Organic matter increases water retention.
How does particle size affect porosity?
Larger particles = larger pores = higher porosity.
How does particle size affect permeability?
Larger particles = higher permeability.
What does high cation exchange capacity indicate?
Stable pH and nutrient levels in soil.
What does high soil compaction lead to?
Low porosity, low permeability, low aeration.
What role do fungi and bacteria play in soil?
Key roles in soil composition and nutrient cycles.
Explain the relationship between soil pH and plant growth.
Soil pH impacts what plants can grow.
Why is loam considered ideal for plant growth?
Loam has a balanced mix of particle sizes for optimal water retention, aeration, and drainage.
What is the importance of soil aeration for plants?
Good aeration allows soil to take in air, water, and nutrients, which are essential for plant growth.