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5.1 Soil - Coggle Diagram
5.1 Soil
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Transformation
Decomposition
The process of organic matter breakdown by microorganisms, resulting in the
release of carbon dioxide, water, and nutrients
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Weathering
The physical and chemical processes that break down rocks and minerals into
smaller particles, contribute to soil formation
Includes physical weathering (mechanical breakdown) and chemical weathering (alteration of minerals through chemical reactions)
Nutrient cycling
The cycling of nutrients within the soil-plant system, involving uptake, assimilation,
release, and recycling of elements like nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium
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Mineralisation
The decomposition of the chemical compounds in organic matter. The nutrients in those compounds are released in soluble inorganic forms that may be available to plants
Example: The conversion of organic nitrogen compounds into inorganic forms, particularly ammonium (NH4 ) and nitrate (NO )
It occurs through microbial activity, release nitrogen for plant uptake and contribute to the nutrient pool in the soil
Humification
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Involves the accumulation of complex organic compounds, leading to the dark colouration and improved water-holding capacity of soil
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Soil interaction: a system because it consists of interconnected components that interact with each other to maintain balance and function
biosphere
The soil supports plant growth by supplying nutrients and water. In return, plants and animals contribute organic matter to the soil when they decompose.
litosphere
Soil is formed from the weathering of rocks in the lithosphere. Minerals from these rocks become part of the soil, providing nutrients for plants.
Atmosphere
Soil exchanges gases with the atmosphere, such as releasing carbon dioxide during respiration of organisms and absorbing oxygen.
hydrosphere
Water from precipitation or groundwater interacts with soil, aiding in nutrient absorption by plants and influencing soil moisture levels, which affects its structure and fertility.
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Structure Properties
Clay
Limited mineral content, Poor drainage, Highest water holding capacity (~40%), Lowest air spaces (~10%), Little space for biota, Low potential to hold organic matters, Waterlogged crops above
Loam
High mineral content, Intermediate drainage, Intermediate water holding capacity (~25%), Intermediate air spaces (~15%), Highest biota, Good mix potential to hold organic matters, Highest productivity in balanced soil
Sand
Moderate mineral content, Highest drainage, Low water holding capacity (~10%), Highest air spaces (~40%), Space to live for biota, High potential to hold organic matters, Low productivity in pure sand
What is soil?
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soils are made up of four main components:
- mineral particles mainfly from underlying rocks
- organic remains that have come from plants and animals
- water within spaces between soil grains
- air also within soil grains
soil profile
vertical section through a soil, and is divided into horizons
organic horizon
- undecomposed litter
- partly decomposed (fermenting) litter
- well-decomposed litter
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Soil Texture Triangular
Benefits:
- a large number of data can be shown on one graph
- Groupings are easily recognizable (loams)
- Dominant characteristics can be shown
- Classification can be drawn up
