John Aiven C.

Eyaya

BSABE 1-1

Assignment #2

1. What does soil color tell us?

• The substances resulting from decomposition of the organic matter are

oxidized and acquire a dark coloration. On the other hand, some of these
substances can be combined with mineral substances present in the soil as a
consequence of mineralization of organic materials or chemical alteration of clays
(such as iron oxides). After physical and chemical alterations, organic and
inorganic materials contribute to soil color in different ways and proportions and,
as a result, color is a product of co-working soil processes and environmental
conditions. Soil color is related to soil processes, and is used as a diagnostic
criteria for soil classification.
In the WRB, for example, soil color is used as a criteria for classifying
diagnostic horizons (albic, anthric, fulvic, hortic, hydragric, melanic, mollic, plaggic,
sombric, spodic, terric, umbric and voronic horizons must meet certain color
parameters), diagnostic properties (albeluvic tonguing, aridic
properties, gleyic and stagnic color patterns), and diagnostic materials (limnic and
sulphidic materials), and is used for supporting field indentification in many cases.

2. Where can you find darker surface horizon, in a grassland or in a cultivated field?
Explain your answer.

• Based on the given meaning and purpose of soil color, We can clearly
say that grassland soil are much darker than in cultivated field. Grassland soils are
recognized for being nutrient-rich and deep and dark in color. Because of the
development and decay of deep, many-branched grass roots. The soil retains
water for a long time, resulting in a well-drained soil. The soil of the temperate
grasslands is deep and dark, with fertile upper layers. It is nutrient-rich from the
growth and decay of deep, many-branched grass roots. The rotted roots hold the
soil together and provide a food source for living plants.
Reference:
Mobilian, C., & Craft, C. B. (2021, September 16). Wetland soils: physical and chemical
properties and biogeochemical processes. Earth Systems and Environmental Sciences.
https://dx.doi.org/10.1016/B978-0-12-819166-8.00049-9
Oregon State University. (n.d.). Locate and describe the temperate grasslands and their
forages. Oregon State University.
https://forages.oregonstate.edu/nfgc/eo/onlineforagecurriculum/instructormaterials/avail
abletopics/grasslands/temperate