Soil

Soil is composed of various components that provide a medium for plants to grow by providing physical support, nutrients, and water. It is not just the layer of grass, a fertilizer, or a type of sand near water bodies.

Soil structure is specifically related to how soil particles are arranged, not other characteristics such as color, age, or depth.

Soil texture refers to the composition of soil particles (sand, silt, and clay) and their relative proportions, which greatly influence the soil's fertility, drainage, and other characteristics. It does not refer to the color, smell, or temperature of the soil.

Bedrock refers to the solid rock layer beneath soil that makes up the foundation of the Earth's crust.

Humus is a dark, organic material found in soil that is essential for plant growth as it provides nutrients and improves soil structure.

Leaching specifically refers to the removal of substances through the passing of water, not farming, food preservation, or soil compaction.

Parent rock refers to the original rock formation that is broken down over time to create soil through weathering and other geological processes.

Soil horizons refer to the distinct layers of soil that are parallel to the surface. These layers vary in their composition, color, texture, and other properties.

Soil Profile refers to a vertical section of the soil that reveals all of its horizons in one view, providing a snapshot of the different layers and compositions of the soil.

Weathering refers to the processes that cause rocks to break down and change, not to changing weather patterns or clothing choices.

Mechanical weathering is the breakdown of rocks into smaller pieces through physical processes without altering their chemical composition.

Chemical weathering involves the alteration of the chemical composition of rocks through natural acids and oxygen, whereas physical erosion, freezing/thawing, and gravity are processes that involve the physical breakdown or movement of rocks.

Topography refers to the physical features of an area, such as mountains, valleys, and plains, which directly impact the formation and composition of soil in that particular location.

Soil formation is influenced by various factors including climate, organisms, relief (slope of the land), parent rock, and time. Factors like weathering, erosion, deposition, and industrialization are not direct influencers on soil formation. Similarly, sunlight, air, water, and earthquakes do not directly contribute to soil formation. Temperature, pressure, humidity, and elevation are important environmental factors, but they are not part of the key factors that affect soil formation.

Porosity is a term used to describe the amount of open or empty space in the ground, which is important for water retention and drainage in soil.