Soil types and their properties Flashcards
(13 cards)
what are soils determined by which plants grow on them
the availability of nutrients
acidity of the soil
drainage of soil
soil depth
Plants modify the soil by
removing nutrients
adding organic matter
changing the structure of the soil by root activity
What are the main components of a soil
minerals mater/ rocks water air organic mater nutrients 52% of the soil is rocks and organic matter and nutrients, and 48% of the soil is water and air
what are the 5 different types of soils
clay, sand, silt, loams, and organic matter
What are the disadvantages and advantages of clay soil
Advantages
holds water quite well and tend to be rich in nutrients
Disadvantages
Heavy to work, warm up slowly, prone to waterlogging
What is the texture of clay soils
clay soils feels sticky and you can roll it into a ball
What are the advantages and disadvantages of sand soil
Advantage
easy to work, light and free draining, and warms up quickly
Disadvantages
Does not hold nutrients
What is the texture of sand soil
Sandy soils feels gritty between your fingers
What are the advantages and disadvantages of silt soil
Advantage
Quite fertile, holds some water, and warm up quickly
Disadvantages
Dense and easily compacted tends to lose nutrients
What is the texture of silt soil
Silty soils feels smooth or silky when you roll them between your fingers
What are the advantages and disadvantages of loams soil
Advantage
fertile, easy to work, warm up quite quickly
Disadvantages
Usually need draining
What is the texture of loamy soils
Loamy soils have a balance of clay, sand, silt and organic matter
What are advantages and disadvantages of organic soils
Advantages
fertile, easy to work, holds water
Disadvantages
Usually acidic and can become waterlogged
