Soil Functions and Properties

Front

What are the five direct benefits of soil to humans?

Back

Food, Fibre, Fuel, Water purification, Waste decomposition/storage.

Front

How does soil indirectly benefit humans?

Back

Acts as habitat (life), climate regulation (carbon storage), and foundation for culture and buildings.

Front

What is the updated 2017 definition of soil?

Back

“The layer(s) of generally loose mineral and/or organic material affected by physical, chemical, and/or biological processes at or near the planetary surface that usually hold liquids, gases, and biota and support plants.”

Front

What are the four components of mineral soil by volume?

Back

45% mineral, 5% organic matter, 25% air, 25% water (air/water fluctuate).

Front

What does CLORPT stand for in soil formation?

Back

Climate, Organisms, Relief, Parent material, Time.

Front

What are the five soil-forming processes?

Back

Addition, Mixing, Translocation, Transformation, Removal.

Front

What are the three types of glacial deposits?

Back

Glacial till, Glacio-fluvial, Glacio-lacustrine.

Front

Name the master soil horizons.

Back

O (organic), A (topsoil), B (subsoil), C (parent material), R (bedrock).

Front

What are the three main particle sizes in soil texture?

Back

Sand (0.05–2 mm), Silt (0.002–0.05 mm), Clay (<0.002 mm).

Front

What is the name of the triangle used to determine soil texture class?

Back

Soil textural triangle.