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 soil compaction affect plant growth?
High compaction reduces porosity, permeability, and aeration, hindering root growth and nutrient uptake.
How does deforestation affect soil water-holding capacity?
Deforestation reduces organic matter in the soil, which decreases its ability to retain water.
How does excessive tilling affect soil structure?
Excessive tilling breaks up soil structure, reducing water retention and increasing erosion.
How does low water-holding capacity affect plants?
Low water-holding capacity may lead to water stress for plants, as water drains away quickly.
How does soil pH affect nutrient availability?
Soil pH affects the solubility and availability of essential nutrients for plants.
How does a lack of soil aeration affect plants?
Poor aeration limits oxygen availability to roots, hindering respiration and nutrient uptake.
How does the addition of organic matter affect soil fertility?
Adding organic matter improves soil structure, water retention, and nutrient availability, increasing fertility.
How does soil erosion affect water quality?
Soil erosion leads to sedimentation and pollution of water bodies, reducing water quality.
How does over-fertilization affect soil?
Over-fertilization can lead to nutrient imbalances, soil acidification, and water pollution.
How do changes in soil affect the biome?
Changes in soil composition and health can alter the types of plants that can grow, thus affecting the entire biome.