APES 4.2 & 4.3 Soils

Front

What is bedrock?

Back

The deep, underlying non-soil materials that serve as the foundation for soil layers.

Front

What type of soil is likely to support high productivity?

Back

A soil with both high cation exchange capacity and high base saturation.

Front

What physical property of soil determines its water retention?

Back

Particle size.

Front

What are the two main factors that determine the rate of weathering?

Back

The type of rock and climate.

Front

Why might very old soil be nutrient poor?

Back

Plants and water leaching nutrients.

Front

What is cation exchange capacity (CEC)?

Back

The ability of soil to hold and exchange positively charged ions (cations) which are essential for plant growth.

Front

What is base saturation?

Back

The proportion of soil bases (calcium, magnesium, potassium, sodium) to soil acids (hydrogen and aluminum) in the soil.

Front

How does soil texture affect plant growth?

Back

Soil texture influences water retention, drainage, and nutrient availability, impacting plant health.

Front

What role does organic matter play in soil health?

Back

Organic matter improves soil structure, water retention, and nutrient availability.

Front

What is the significance of the O horizon in soil?

Back

The O horizon is the top layer of soil, rich in organic material and crucial for nutrient cycling.