APES Chapter 9 Study Guide and Vocab

Ikjfxbkihfx types of soil

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Gully erosion
Cuts deeply into soil,leaving large gullies that expand as erosion proceeds
Sheet erosion
water flows in thin sheets over broad surfaces washing topsoil away in uniform layers.
Rill erosion
water runs along small furrow deepening them into rills.
Splash erosion
raindrops dislodge soil particles that fill in gaps between clumps, decreasing the soil’s ability to absorb water.
Agriculture
The practice of cultivating soil, producing crops, and raising livestock for human use and consumption.
Soil
A complex plant-supporting system consisting of disintegrated rock, organic matter, air, water, nutrients, and microorganisms. A renewable source that renews itself SLOWLY over time. Is considered an ecosystem because it inhabits many organisms like earthworms, mites and sow bugs.
Horizon
A distinct layer of soil
A horizon
Topsoil. Made of inorganic/organic matter/humus mixed in. Takes its loose texture dark coloration and strong water holding capacity from Its humus content. Most NUTRITIOUS. Located below o horizon.
B horizon
minerals and organic matter leach from e horizon into b horizon. This is subsoil, where they accumulate. Below e horizon.
C horizon
Mainly of weathered parent material unaltered/slightly altered by the processes of soil
E horizon
minerals and organic matter leach out of e horizon, below a horizon.
O horizon
Uppermost layer. Mostly of organic matter deposited by organisms.
R horizon
made of pure parent material. Bottommost layer.
Order of soil horizons
O A E B C R.
Clay
ediment consisting of particles less than 0.002 mm in diameter. Small particles, harder for water to pass through, slowing infiltration and reducing the amount of oxygen available to soil biota.