Steve Hall

CGR4M-T Examining Soils

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The Components of Soil:

Soil consists of four major components mineral matter, (rock particles, 45%) organic matter, (leaves, etc, 5%) water, (25%) and air (25%). Proportions of these vary with different soil types and climatic conditions.

Differences in these components will result in changes in the physical properties of soils (eg: texture, structure, density, porosity, consistency, temperature, colour, resistivity ). The climate, topography and living organisms in the area also define the physical properties. THREE PHASES can be distinguished in a soil a) Free Phase: b) Liquid Phase: c) Gaseous Phase: This is where we can see the mineral matter and organic manner along with living organisms that are helping erode and decompose the matter. Water and dissolved minerals and nutrients. This is here to hydrate living plants in the soil. Where the air component is found. This is to oxygenate the living plants in the soil.

Soil profile & names of horizons

Steve Hall

CGR4M-T Biotic & Abiotic 1. biotic: 2. abiotic:

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Of, relating to or resulting from living things, especially in their ecological relations. (1) Physical rather than biological; not derived from living organisms. (2) Devoid of life; sterile

Biotic Plant roots

Plant residues, (both roots and shoots) are the ultimate source of energy for all soil organisms.

Abiotic Air
Soil air is found in spaces between particles that are not filled with water. The amount of air depends on how firmly the soil is compacted.

Bacteria

Water Earthworm Fungi

Extracellular1 compounds help bind Soil water can be classified into three soil particles into aggregates 2. types. See foot notes: Hygroscopic3, Capillary4, Gravitational5.

Fungi
The most imporant group involved in decomposing resistant compounds, such as lignin6.

pH
This is the acidity of the soil which influences the biological activity and the availability of certain minerals.

Earthworms

Solution

Burrowing activity mixes soil and The matter that creates the soil, such creates macropores 7 that increase as minerals, rocks and organic matter water infiltration and flow that helps aerate soil. Plant Roots

Bacteria

1 2 3 4 5 6 7

Definition: Occurring or being (situated) outside the cell or cells. (Biology-Online.org) Definition: A group of species within a species. An aggregate may be denoted by a group name interpolated in parentheses. (Biology-Online.org) Hygroscopic water occurs as a thin film of water around each soil particle. Capillary water is water held in small spaces between soil particles. Gravitational water is the water which drains downward through the soil. Definition: A complex organic polymer deposited in the cell walls of many plants, making them rigid and woody. (Merriam-Webster) Definition: Cavities which are larger than 50nm which may occur in various solids. (Wikipedia)

Steve Hall

CGR4M-T Canadian Soils

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Soils found in Canada

Podzol Soil

Chernozem Soil

Cryosol Soil

Gleysol Soil

Organic Soil

Steve Hall

CGR4M-T Canadian Soils

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Podzol These soils are found in places which are very wet and cold (eg, Northern Ontario/Russia) and places with very warm climates, such as Florida.

Often referred to as virgin soil because it is has low percentages of water and air and are packed tight. This is NOT soil you want for agriculture

Chernozem Contains HIGH PERCENTAGES of phosphorus and phosphoric acids Very fertile, making it ideal for agriculture.

Cryosol & Gleysols Found in very cold climates, Often contain permafrost. HINT: Cryosol? Cold? Think CRYOGENIC! HINT: Gleysols? Cold? Think GLACIERS!