soils information by: matt jakubik
Post on 22-Dec-2015
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Soil
A. outer layer of earth’s crust, renewable natural resource that supports life
--takes 1000 years for 1 inch of soil to form
Soil Components
A. Soil is made up of: 1. Minerals—45% 2. Water—25% (good soil) 3. Air—25% 4. organic matter—5%
Organic Matter
A. decayed plants and animals 1. leaves, roots, stems 2. dark in color 3. more productive because of
increased fertility/nutrients sources: manure, mulch, peat moss
Water
A. necessary for good soil--permeable: allows water to flow through--leaching: salts, minerals and nutrients washed out of soil
Mineral Material began as rock, undergoes weathering to
break down 1. Classified according to particle size
a. sand: largest in size, large pores, water flows through easily, not as fertile, nutrients leach out
b. silt: mid-sized, good water holding capacity, holds nutrients
C. clay: smallest in size, holds water and nutrients, has poor water drainage and lacks air
Soil Texture a. proportions of the 3 particle sizes in a
soil --Landscapers need to know soil texture: 1. time to plant 2. drainage 3. nutrient holding capacity 4. plant soil requirements 5. easier to work with
Texture
Definition: Percentage of sand, silt and clay particles Size of particles.(largest to smallest)
Sand Silt Clay
Texture
Why is texture Important? Water absorption rates Soil water storage capacity Ease of tillage Amount of aeration Soil Fertility
Texture
Determining Soil Texture By Feel Sand
Coarse gritty feel Silt
Medium-silty, floury feel Clay
Fine-sticky when wet
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