1.what are two of the many ways in which soil is formed?
{!}_________{!!}_________
2.name two parent materials of soil.
{!}_________{!!}_________
3.why are some type of soil referred to as"inorganic"?__________
4.what happens when air and water enters a crack in a rock?_________
5.if in a natural system ,decayed remains of plants and animals are components, and decomposition a process;what is the input and output?{!}______{!!}______
6.the type of weathering that takes place in an area is determined by the________
7.write down any two content of a soil.{!}_______{!!}_______
8.soil generally consists of visually and texturally distinct layers.There are 3 main layers namely:
A horizon,B horizon and C horizon.
-which layer do you think is rich in humus?
9.A hard layer in the B horizon caused by deposition of minerials called______this can cause poor drainage.
10.what is a laterite?________
11.In 'A' horizon of soil in the tropical region, there are more iron and aluminium then any other minerial.what do you think happen to those other minerals?______________
12.____________soils consist of mixture of clay,sand,and silt which has been deposited by water.
1. Two ways in which soil is formed are through weathering and organic processes.
- Weathering refers to the physical and chemical breakdown of rocks and minerals over time. This can occur due to factors such as wind, water, ice, and temperature changes. As rocks break down, they release mineral particles that eventually become part of the soil.
- Organic processes involve the decomposition of plant and animal matter. When plants and animals die, their remains accumulate on the ground and gradually break down. This decomposition process, carried out by microorganisms like bacteria and fungi, contributes to the formation of organic matter in the soil.
2. Two examples of parent materials of soil are:
- Bedrock: Bedrock refers to the solid rock layer beneath the soil. Soil formation can occur directly on top of the exposed bedrock, as the rock gradually erodes and weathers.
- Sediments: Sediments can include materials such as sand, silt, and clay that are deposited by various processes like wind, water, and glaciers. Over time, these sediments undergo weathering and transform into soil.
3. Some types of soil are referred to as "inorganic" because they have low organic content. Organic matter in soil generally comes from the decomposition of plant and animal material. If a soil is labeled as "inorganic," it means that it has not undergone significant organic matter accumulation or contains a very low amount of organic matter.
4. When air and water enter a crack in a rock, several things can happen. Water may seep into the crack and freeze, exerting pressure on the surrounding rock and causing it to fragment and break apart. Additionally, air flowing through the crack can carry moisture and dissolved gases, which can chemically react with the rock and contribute to its weathering. Over time, repeated cycles of water entering, freezing, and thawing can further widen the crack and eventually lead to the fragmentation and breakdown of the rock.
5. In a natural system, the decayed remains of plants and animals are components of the soil, and decomposition is the process by which these organic materials break down.
- The input in this system would be the dead plants and animals that are added to the soil. These organic materials provide nutrients and energy for the decomposers to carry out their work.
- The output of the decomposition process is the breakdown of organic matter into simpler compounds, such as carbon dioxide, water, and various nutrients. These compounds are then released into the soil, where they can be taken up by plants and used for growth.
6. The type of weathering that takes place in an area is determined by several factors, including climate, rock composition, and the presence of vegetation. Different regions and environments experience different weathering processes. For example, in a moist and warm tropical climate, chemical weathering may be more dominant, while in a cold and dry desert climate, physical weathering, such as freeze-thaw cycles, may have a greater impact.
7. Two components of soil are:
- Mineral particles: These include sand, silt, and clay, which make up the solid material of the soil. They contribute to the soil's texture and affect its characteristics, such as water-holding capacity and drainage.
- Organic matter: This consists of decomposed plant and animal materials in various stages of decay. Organic matter provides nutrients, improves soil structure, and enhances water retention.
8. The A horizon is typically rich in humus. Humus is the dark, organic material that forms from the decomposition of plant and animal matter. It is a vital component of soil fertility as it improves soil structure, water retention, and nutrient cycling.
9. A hard layer in the B horizon caused by the deposition of minerals is called a pan or hardpan. This compacted layer can restrict the movement of water and roots through the soil profile, resulting in poor drainage and potentially affecting plant growth.
10. Laterite refers to a type of soil that forms in tropical and subtropical regions with high temperatures and heavy rainfall. It is typically rich in iron and aluminum oxides and is known for its reddish color. Laterite soils are often highly weathered and can have low fertility due to the leaching of nutrients.
11. In the A horizon of soil in tropical regions, where there are more iron and aluminum, other minerals may have been leached or washed away. The high rainfall and humid conditions in tropical environments can lead to the leaching of soluble minerals, leaving behind a higher concentration of iron and aluminum compounds in the soil.
12. Alluvial soils consist of a mixture of clay, sand, and silt that has been deposited by water. These soils are often found in areas alongside rivers, floodplains, or deltas, where flowing water has transported and deposited sediment over time. Alluvial soils are known for their fertility due to their fine texture and high water-holding capacity.