3 Soil Properties Free Online FlashCards

What does soil texture describe?

Soil texture is the relative proportion of sand, silt, and clay particles in soil.

What does soil structure describe?

Soil structure is the arrangement of particles and organic matter into aggregates, also called peds.

What is soil porosity?

Porosity is the proportion of a soil’s total volume made up of pore spaces.

What is field capacity?

Field capacity is the water content remaining after excess water drains from saturated soil.

What does a one-unit decrease on the soil pH scale mean?

A one-unit decrease in pH represents a tenfold increase in hydrogen-ion concentration.

What makes up soil organic matter?

Soil organic matter includes living and dead organisms, decomposing plant and animal residues, and substances produced as they break down.

Why can an aggregated clay soil infiltrate water better than compacted clay?

Organic matter and stable aggregates can create more connected pores and better infiltration, even in clay-rich soil.

How do sand, silt, and clay compare in particle size?

Sand particles are largest, silt particles are intermediate, and clay particles are smallest.

What are typical water and air properties of sandy soil?

Sandy soil usually drains readily and allows air to move through it, but often stores less plant-available water.

How do soil texture and structure differ?

Texture describes particle sizes and their proportions; structure describes how particles are arranged.

How do stable soil aggregates support soil function?

Stable aggregates create pores that help water infiltrate, air circulate, and roots grow.

How do macropores and micropores differ?

Macropores commonly let air and water move through soil and drain under gravity; micropores hold water more strongly.