Soil Flashcards
(14 cards)
Podzol
low temperatures lead to slow decomposition (1 mark)
coniferous needles and cones produce acidic (mor) humus (1 mark)
high precipitation leads to leaching (1 mark) which is the downward movement
of the aluminium and iron oxides (1 mark), this leads to formation of an iron pan
between the A/B horizons (1 mark)
this iron pan may impede drainage causing water logging (1 mark)
eluviation leaves an ash grey A horizon (1 mark)
illuviation leads to a reddish brown B horizon (1 mark)
limited soil biota leads to well defined horizons (1 mark)
found on steep slopes, this further encourages leaching (1 mark)
shallow roots mean limited absorption of deep leached minerals (1 mark)
shallow roots also mean limited nutrient recycling. (1 mark)
Brown earth
-associated with areas of deciduous forest
-humus layer is thickfertile due to variety of vegetation
-warmer conditions so the leafs that accumu In autumn decompose quickly due to organis,s in the soil
-the humus is less acidic and referred to as mull
-the horizons merge more than that of podzol due to the activity of earthworms and insects - biota
-high clay content increasing the fertility of the soil
-lime is often added to improve fertility
Gley
-found in tundras
-remains frozen throughout the year
-during summer the ground surface thaws but the melt water cannot drain freely due to the frozen subsoil or permafrost layer
-this results in the soil becoming waterlogged
-bacterial action is restricted due to the cold temperatures, the waterlogged soil lacks oxygen and the tundra vegetation is also very limited
-the a horizon contains black acidic humus
What is the layer closest to the surface called?
The Ao layer
Which soil contains biota due to warm temperatures?
Brown earth
What does gley have on its surface?
Small shrubs
What does brown earth have on its surface?
Leaf debris
What does podzol have on its a surface?
Layers of needles and cones
Which soil profile has deep roots?
Brown earth
Which soil profile has waterlogged blue/grey clay like mud?
Gley
Which soil profile has a reddish brown b horizon?
Podzol
Which soil contains permafrost?
Gley
Which soil contains raw acid humus (mor)
Podzol
describe podzol
layers of needles and cones
mineral and organic layer
ash grey layer
iron pan
reddish brown layer
parent material
