Horizonation and soil morphology Flashcards
Study of soil horizon and its morphology (18 cards)
What do we see when we look at soil?
Horizonation and soil morphology, Soil texture
These elements provide insights into the structure and characteristics of soil.
What strongly influences soil behavioural characteristics?
Soil texture
Soil texture includes the relative proportion of clay, silt, and sand.
What are the characteristics influenced by soil texture?
- Water retention
- Nutrient retention
- Permeability and porosity
- Mechanical strength
These characteristics affect how soil interacts with water and nutrients.
What is the relative proportion of clay, silt, and sand known as?
Soil texture
This can be determined using quantitative or qualitative methods.
What quantitative methods can be used to determine soil texture?
- Hydrometer
- Pipette
These methods provide precise measurements of soil particle sizes.
What qualitative method can be used to determine soil texture?
Feel method
This method relies on the tactile properties of soil to assess texture.
What determines soil colour?
- Mineralogy of the soil
- Relative amounts of organic matter or iron
- Hydrology of the soil
- Oxygen status
These factors influence the visual characteristics of soil.
What indicates soil conditions but does not affect its properties?
Soil colour
Soil colour can provide insights into environmental conditions.
What is the Munsell Soil Color system used for?
Measuring soil color
It includes hue, value, and chroma as parameters.
What are the components of soil color measured using Munsell Color?
- Hue
- Value
- Chroma
These components describe the color characteristics of soil.
What are master horizons in soil profiles?
Roughly parallel layers identified in soils
They represent different stages of soil formation.
What does a soil profile tell us?
A story of formation processes and environmental history
Soil profiles reveal the development of soil over time.
What influences effective rooting depth, water, and air movement?
Soil structure
Soil structure is critical for plant growth and environmental interactions.
What does soil structure refer to?
Arrangement of primary soil particles into secondary units or peds
This arrangement affects various soil properties.
What are naturally formed aggregates in soil called?
Peds
Peds have distinctive shapes and sizes that influence soil behavior.
What is soil consistence?
Resistance of soil at various moisture contents to mechanical stresses or manipulations
This includes dry, moist, and wet consistence.
What does rupture resistance in soil measure?
The strength of soil to withstand applied stress
It reflects how soil behaves under pressure.
What is stickiness in soil?
Ability of soil to adhere to other objects
This property is important for understanding soil interactions.
