The Development of Soil (Leaving Cert Geography): Flashcards
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Timeframe of soil formation
Timeframe of soil formation
Hundreds to thousands of years
Four stages of soil formation
Four stages of soil formation
Physical breakdown, chemical weathering, pioneer plants, decomposition
Mechanical weathering definition
Mechanical weathering definition
Physical breakdown of rock without changing chemical composition
What mechanical weathering creates
What mechanical weathering creates
Mineral skeleton
Nutrients released by chemical weathering
Nutrients released by chemical weathering
Phosphorous, potassium, and calcium
Parent material
Parent material
Weathered material forming foundation layer of developing soil
Examples of pioneer plants
Examples of pioneer plants
Mosses and lichens
Humus definition
Humus definition
Decomposed organic matter that enriches soil
Microorganisms in Stage 4
Microorganisms in Stage 4
Bacteria and fungi that decompose plant remains
A horizon (topsoil) characteristics
A horizon (topsoil) characteristics
Rich in organic matter and humus, where most plant roots grow
B horizon (subsoil) characteristics
B horizon (subsoil) characteristics
Contains minerals from A horizon, less organic matter
C horizon characteristics
C horizon characteristics
Partially weathered rock fragments (parent material)
Functions of humus
Functions of humus
Binds soil particles together and improves fertility
Time to develop meaningful soil depth
Time to develop meaningful soil depth
Centuries