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Soil Properties: Unit Four: Soil Science Agriscience I
Soil Properties: Unit Four: Soil Science Agriscience I
OBJECTIVES
Describe soil by physical, chemical, and biological properties of the soil. Distinguish among physical, chemical, and biological properties of the soil. Distinguish between homogenous and heterogeneous mixtures in soil.
Tillage pan - areas of compacted soil in the plant Mottling - Spots of color in the soil that indicates
Texture
physical property of soil considered rather permanent refers to the relative percentages of the three types of soil particles
It is the varying amount of each soil particle type that gives soil its texture or feel.
Mechanical analysis
Textural Triangle
used to obtain a soil textural name for a sample after it has been mechanically analyzed
more desirable characteristics usually associated with highly productive soils that are easier to manage
Single grained soils like sand Solid massive condition with no noticeable peds
important for proper plant growth Permeability can be determined by the color of the subsoil. Grey with some red or yellow streaks poorly drained soils Yellowish-brown or reddish brown with some grey mottling - as internal drainage improves Uniform bright color with few or no grey streaks or mottling good internal drainage and aeration
Oats peanuts beets majority of Louisiana crops grow best in a loamy textured soil.
Flooded rice
Sugarcane
determined by the way the particles of sand, silt, and clay are grouped together in aggregates
Peds - naturally formed groups of soil particles Clods - are artificially formed groups of soil particles
Structured Soil
more desirable because it: is easier to cultivate allows more water intake does not restrict root growth encourages better drainage within pore spaces allows entry of oxygen into the pore spaces after the water has drained facilitates organic matter decomposition and the release of plant nutrients
repeated movement of equipment or livestock repeated use of equipment at the same depth in the soil
Leaving it alone, in time it will repair itself Planting a green manure crop Incorporating plant residue into the soil
Rapid - spheroidal structure and single grained structure less soils Moderate - blocky and prismatic structure Slow - platy structure or massive structure less soil
reduces the movement of air, water, and roots and therefore limits crop yields.
Fragipans
Fragipans (silt pans) and clay pans can occur naturally in or near the subsoil. A fragipan is the result of too much silt in or near the B horizon, and is not the result of mans actions.
refers to the living organisms found in the soil includes both the micro and macro plants and animals.
Plants
Micro
Micro
Nematodes Protozoa Earthworms Rodents (prairie dogs, moles, gophers, etc.) Arthropods (mites, insects, spiders, etc.) Gastropods (slugs, snails, etc.)
Macro
clay minerals present humus content cation exchange soil reaction (pH).
Homogenous mixtures soil mixtures that contain the same type of soil particles Heterogeneous mixtures soil mixtures that contain different types of soil particles Aerobic occurring only in the presence of free oxygen Algae soil plant microorganisms capable of photosynthesis Anaerobic growing or occurring in the absence of free oxygen
Bacteria single-celled soil plant microorganisms, some of which are responsible for organic matter decomposition, while others are responsible for nitrogen fixation Fungi soil plant microorganisms responsible for organic matter decomposition, especially the cellulose, lignin and gum Microorganisms life forms too small to be seen with the unaided eye or barely visible Nematodes - soil animal microorganisms that are responsible for the decomposition of organic mater, consumption of other animal microorganisms and parasitism on the roots of certain higher plants
Nitrogen cycle the biochemical changes undergone by this atmospheric gas from its use by living organisms to decomposition and conversion back to the atmosphere Organic matter soil materials including plant and animal residues at various stages of decomposition Rodents small gnawing animals such as rats and mice Acid soil one having a pH below 7.0 on a scale from 0 to 14 Alkaline soil one having a pH below 7.0 on a scale from 0 to 14 Ion charged atoms or groups of charged atoms pH a numerical measure of the degree of acidity or alkalinity of the soil solution