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Understanding Soil: Formation and Erosion
Oct 9, 2024
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Lecture Notes: Soil Formation and Erosion
Introduction to Soil
Importance of Soil
: Foundation for plant growth, water filtration, and various functions.
Objective
: Describe soil characteristics and formation.
What is Soil?
Composition
: Mix of geological and organic components.
Geological Components
: Sand, silt, and clay.
Organic Components
: Includes humus, nutrients, water, air, and living organisms.
Humus
: Decomposed organic matter, providing nutrients and structure.
Nutrients
: Ammonium, phosphates, nitrates critical for plant growth.
Living Organisms
: Earthworms, fungi, bacteria, aiding in nutrient recycling.
Roles of Soil in Ecosystems
Supports Plant Growth
:
Anchors plant roots.
Provides water and essential nutrients (N, P, K, Mg).
Water Filtration
:
Soil traps pollutants, clean water helps recharge groundwater.
Nutrient Recycling
:
Decomposers break down organic matter, return nutrients.
Habitat
:
Supports earthworms, fungi, bacteria, and other organisms.
Weathering and Erosion
Weathering
: Breakdown of rocks into smaller pieces.
Types
: Physical (wind, rain), chemical (acids), biological (plant roots).
Erosion
: Transport of weathered rock particles.
Process
: Detachment, movement, deposition.
Soil Formation
From Below
: Weathering of parent material/bedrock contributes minerals.
From Above
: Decomposition of organic matter adds humus.
Factors Affecting Formation
:
Parent Material
: Influences soil pH and nutrient content.
Topography
: Steep slopes may hinder formation due to erosion.
Climate
: Temperature and precipitation influence organic matter breakdown.
Soil Organisms
: Decomposers increase rate of soil formation.
Soil Horizons
O Horizon
: Organic layer with plant material, traps moisture.
A Horizon (Topsoil)
: High in humus and minerals, most biological activity.
B Horizon (Subsoil)
: Contains clay, fewer nutrients, less organic matter.
C Horizon
: Least weathered, resembles parent material.
Soil Degradation
Loss of Topsoil
: Due to tilling and vegetation loss, reduces productivity.
Compaction
: Machines/livestock compress soil, reducing pore space for water.
Nutrient Depletion
: Continuous cropping reduces soil fertility.
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