Describe the characteristics of a fertile soil.

Question

Want to see more full solutions like this?

Answer 1

Textbook Question

Chapter 37, Problem 1IQ

Describe the characteristics of a fertile soil.

Expert Solution & Answer

Summary Introduction

To describe: The characteristics of fertile soil.

Introduction: Soil is a dynamic and natural system that is crucial for the sustenance of humanity. In the global ecosystem, soil performs five critical functions. This includes it acts as a medium for the growth of the plant, it regulates water supply, acts as a habitat for soil organisms, and raw materials recycler. The most important function of the soil is to store and supply essential nutrients to plants.

Explanation of Solution

Characteristics of fertile soil:

Soil texture:

Soil texture is considered as a unique property of the soil. Soil texture has a profound effect on the behaviour of soils, like nutrient retention, water holding capacity, nutrient supply, drainage, and nutrient leaching. Topsoil is the mixture of various mineral particles from the rock, for example, humus (decomposing organic matter) as well as living organisms.

Loams:

Loams are composed of equal parts of sand, clay, and slit. Loams are often considered as the most fertile soils. It encloses fine particles to offer a large surface area in order to retain water and also minerals. Moreover, sufficient coarse particles provide air for the roots to respire.

Topsoil composition:

In soil, the positively charged ions, namely K⁺, Mg²⁺, and Ca²⁺ stick to the negatively charged surfaces of soil particles. Hence, they are not easily lost by leaching process (filtration of water through the soil). During cation exchange, the hydrogen ions displace the positively charged mineral ion from soil particles, thereby making the ions easily available for absorption. Soils that possess more clay and organic matter have a higher capacity for cation exchange. However, negatively charged ions like sulfate (SO₄^2-), phosphate (H₂PO₄^-), and nitrate (NO3-) tend to leach away more rapidly.

Humus:

Humus is a dark, organic component that builds a crumbly soil. Humus retains water, supplies mineral nutrients, and provides good aeration.

Soil inhabitants:

Soil inhabitants like bacteria, algae, fungi, protists, worms, insects, and nematodes affect the physical as well as chemical properties of the soil. For example, bacteria enrich the soil with nitrogen and phosphorus and thereby improve the texture and quality of the soil.

Want to see more full solutions like this?

Subscribe now to access step-by-step solutions to millions of textbook problems written by subject matter experts!

Students have asked these similar questions

A sample of blood was taken from the above individual and prepared for haemoglobin analysis. However, when water was added the cells did not lyse and looked normal in size and shape. The technician suspected that they had may have made an error in the protocol – what is the most likely explanation? The cell membranes are more resistant than normal. An isotonic solution had been added instead of water. A solution of 0.1 M NaCl had been added instead of water. Not enough water had been added to the red blood cell pellet. The man had sickle-cell anaemia.

With reference to their absorption spectra of the oxy haemoglobin intact line) and deoxyhemoglobin (broken line) shown in Figure 2 below, how would you best explain the reason why there are differences in the major peaks of the spectra? Figure 2. SPECTRA OF OXYGENATED AND DEOXYGENATED HAEMOGLOBIN OBTAINED WITH THE RECORDING SPECTROPHOTOMETER 1.4 Abs < 0.8 06 0.4 400 420 440 460 480 500 520 540 560 580 600 nm 1. The difference in the spectra is due to a pH change in the deoxy-haemoglobin due to uptake of CO2- 2. There is more oxygen-carrying plasma in the oxy-haemoglobin sample. 3. The change in Mr due to oxygen binding causes the oxy haemoglobin to have a higher absorbance peak. 4. Oxy-haemoglobin is contaminated by carbaminohemoglobin, and therefore has a higher absorbance peak 5. Oxy-haemoglobin absorbs more light of blue wavelengths and less of red wavelengths than deoxy-haemoglobin

Answer 2

Textbook Question

Chapter 37, Problem 1IQ

Describe the characteristics of a fertile soil.

Expert Solution & Answer

Summary Introduction

To describe: The characteristics of fertile soil.

Introduction: Soil is a dynamic and natural system that is crucial for the sustenance of humanity. In the global ecosystem, soil performs five critical functions. This includes it acts as a medium for the growth of the plant, it regulates water supply, acts as a habitat for soil organisms, and raw materials recycler. The most important function of the soil is to store and supply essential nutrients to plants.

Explanation of Solution

Characteristics of fertile soil:

Soil texture:

Soil texture is considered as a unique property of the soil. Soil texture has a profound effect on the behaviour of soils, like nutrient retention, water holding capacity, nutrient supply, drainage, and nutrient leaching. Topsoil is the mixture of various mineral particles from the rock, for example, humus (decomposing organic matter) as well as living organisms.

Loams:

Loams are composed of equal parts of sand, clay, and slit. Loams are often considered as the most fertile soils. It encloses fine particles to offer a large surface area in order to retain water and also minerals. Moreover, sufficient coarse particles provide air for the roots to respire.

Topsoil composition:

In soil, the positively charged ions, namely K⁺, Mg²⁺, and Ca²⁺ stick to the negatively charged surfaces of soil particles. Hence, they are not easily lost by leaching process (filtration of water through the soil). During cation exchange, the hydrogen ions displace the positively charged mineral ion from soil particles, thereby making the ions easily available for absorption. Soils that possess more clay and organic matter have a higher capacity for cation exchange. However, negatively charged ions like sulfate (SO₄^2-), phosphate (H₂PO₄^-), and nitrate (NO3-) tend to leach away more rapidly.

Humus:

Humus is a dark, organic component that builds a crumbly soil. Humus retains water, supplies mineral nutrients, and provides good aeration.

Soil inhabitants:

Soil inhabitants like bacteria, algae, fungi, protists, worms, insects, and nematodes affect the physical as well as chemical properties of the soil. For example, bacteria enrich the soil with nitrogen and phosphorus and thereby improve the texture and quality of the soil.

Want to see more full solutions like this?

Subscribe now to access step-by-step solutions to millions of textbook problems written by subject matter experts!

Answer 3

Textbook Question

Chapter 37, Problem 1IQ

Describe the characteristics of a fertile soil.

Expert Solution & Answer

Summary Introduction

To describe: The characteristics of fertile soil.

Introduction: Soil is a dynamic and natural system that is crucial for the sustenance of humanity. In the global ecosystem, soil performs five critical functions. This includes it acts as a medium for the growth of the plant, it regulates water supply, acts as a habitat for soil organisms, and raw materials recycler. The most important function of the soil is to store and supply essential nutrients to plants.

Explanation of Solution

Characteristics of fertile soil:

Soil texture:

Soil texture is considered as a unique property of the soil. Soil texture has a profound effect on the behaviour of soils, like nutrient retention, water holding capacity, nutrient supply, drainage, and nutrient leaching. Topsoil is the mixture of various mineral particles from the rock, for example, humus (decomposing organic matter) as well as living organisms.

Loams:

Loams are composed of equal parts of sand, clay, and slit. Loams are often considered as the most fertile soils. It encloses fine particles to offer a large surface area in order to retain water and also minerals. Moreover, sufficient coarse particles provide air for the roots to respire.

Topsoil composition:

In soil, the positively charged ions, namely K⁺, Mg²⁺, and Ca²⁺ stick to the negatively charged surfaces of soil particles. Hence, they are not easily lost by leaching process (filtration of water through the soil). During cation exchange, the hydrogen ions displace the positively charged mineral ion from soil particles, thereby making the ions easily available for absorption. Soils that possess more clay and organic matter have a higher capacity for cation exchange. However, negatively charged ions like sulfate (SO₄^2-), phosphate (H₂PO₄^-), and nitrate (NO3-) tend to leach away more rapidly.

Humus:

Humus is a dark, organic component that builds a crumbly soil. Humus retains water, supplies mineral nutrients, and provides good aeration.

Soil inhabitants:

Soil inhabitants like bacteria, algae, fungi, protists, worms, insects, and nematodes affect the physical as well as chemical properties of the soil. For example, bacteria enrich the soil with nitrogen and phosphorus and thereby improve the texture and quality of the soil.

Want to see more full solutions like this?

Subscribe now to access step-by-step solutions to millions of textbook problems written by subject matter experts!

Answer 4

Textbook Question

Chapter 37, Problem 1IQ

Describe the characteristics of a fertile soil.

Expert Solution & Answer

Summary Introduction

To describe: The characteristics of fertile soil.

Introduction: Soil is a dynamic and natural system that is crucial for the sustenance of humanity. In the global ecosystem, soil performs five critical functions. This includes it acts as a medium for the growth of the plant, it regulates water supply, acts as a habitat for soil organisms, and raw materials recycler. The most important function of the soil is to store and supply essential nutrients to plants.

Explanation of Solution

Characteristics of fertile soil:

Soil texture:

Soil texture is considered as a unique property of the soil. Soil texture has a profound effect on the behaviour of soils, like nutrient retention, water holding capacity, nutrient supply, drainage, and nutrient leaching. Topsoil is the mixture of various mineral particles from the rock, for example, humus (decomposing organic matter) as well as living organisms.

Loams:

Loams are composed of equal parts of sand, clay, and slit. Loams are often considered as the most fertile soils. It encloses fine particles to offer a large surface area in order to retain water and also minerals. Moreover, sufficient coarse particles provide air for the roots to respire.

Topsoil composition:

In soil, the positively charged ions, namely K⁺, Mg²⁺, and Ca²⁺ stick to the negatively charged surfaces of soil particles. Hence, they are not easily lost by leaching process (filtration of water through the soil). During cation exchange, the hydrogen ions displace the positively charged mineral ion from soil particles, thereby making the ions easily available for absorption. Soils that possess more clay and organic matter have a higher capacity for cation exchange. However, negatively charged ions like sulfate (SO₄^2-), phosphate (H₂PO₄^-), and nitrate (NO3-) tend to leach away more rapidly.

Humus:

Humus is a dark, organic component that builds a crumbly soil. Humus retains water, supplies mineral nutrients, and provides good aeration.

Soil inhabitants:

Soil inhabitants like bacteria, algae, fungi, protists, worms, insects, and nematodes affect the physical as well as chemical properties of the soil. For example, bacteria enrich the soil with nitrogen and phosphorus and thereby improve the texture and quality of the soil.

Want to see more full solutions like this?

Subscribe now to access step-by-step solutions to millions of textbook problems written by subject matter experts!

Answer 5

Textbook Question

Answer 6

Textbook Question

Answer 7

Expert Solution & Answer

Summary Introduction

To describe: The characteristics of fertile soil.

Introduction: Soil is a dynamic and natural system that is crucial for the sustenance of humanity. In the global ecosystem, soil performs five critical functions. This includes it acts as a medium for the growth of the plant, it regulates water supply, acts as a habitat for soil organisms, and raw materials recycler. The most important function of the soil is to store and supply essential nutrients to plants.

Explanation of Solution

Characteristics of fertile soil:

Soil texture:

Soil texture is considered as a unique property of the soil. Soil texture has a profound effect on the behaviour of soils, like nutrient retention, water holding capacity, nutrient supply, drainage, and nutrient leaching. Topsoil is the mixture of various mineral particles from the rock, for example, humus (decomposing organic matter) as well as living organisms.

Loams:

Loams are composed of equal parts of sand, clay, and slit. Loams are often considered as the most fertile soils. It encloses fine particles to offer a large surface area in order to retain water and also minerals. Moreover, sufficient coarse particles provide air for the roots to respire.

Topsoil composition:

In soil, the positively charged ions, namely K⁺, Mg²⁺, and Ca²⁺ stick to the negatively charged surfaces of soil particles. Hence, they are not easily lost by leaching process (filtration of water through the soil). During cation exchange, the hydrogen ions displace the positively charged mineral ion from soil particles, thereby making the ions easily available for absorption. Soils that possess more clay and organic matter have a higher capacity for cation exchange. However, negatively charged ions like sulfate (SO₄^2-), phosphate (H₂PO₄^-), and nitrate (NO3-) tend to leach away more rapidly.

Humus:

Humus is a dark, organic component that builds a crumbly soil. Humus retains water, supplies mineral nutrients, and provides good aeration.

Soil inhabitants:

Soil inhabitants like bacteria, algae, fungi, protists, worms, insects, and nematodes affect the physical as well as chemical properties of the soil. For example, bacteria enrich the soil with nitrogen and phosphorus and thereby improve the texture and quality of the soil.

Answer 8

Expert Solution & Answer

Summary Introduction

To describe: The characteristics of fertile soil.

Introduction: Soil is a dynamic and natural system that is crucial for the sustenance of humanity. In the global ecosystem, soil performs five critical functions. This includes it acts as a medium for the growth of the plant, it regulates water supply, acts as a habitat for soil organisms, and raw materials recycler. The most important function of the soil is to store and supply essential nutrients to plants.

Explanation of Solution

Characteristics of fertile soil:

Soil texture:

Soil texture is considered as a unique property of the soil. Soil texture has a profound effect on the behaviour of soils, like nutrient retention, water holding capacity, nutrient supply, drainage, and nutrient leaching. Topsoil is the mixture of various mineral particles from the rock, for example, humus (decomposing organic matter) as well as living organisms.

Loams:

Loams are composed of equal parts of sand, clay, and slit. Loams are often considered as the most fertile soils. It encloses fine particles to offer a large surface area in order to retain water and also minerals. Moreover, sufficient coarse particles provide air for the roots to respire.

Topsoil composition:

In soil, the positively charged ions, namely K⁺, Mg²⁺, and Ca²⁺ stick to the negatively charged surfaces of soil particles. Hence, they are not easily lost by leaching process (filtration of water through the soil). During cation exchange, the hydrogen ions displace the positively charged mineral ion from soil particles, thereby making the ions easily available for absorption. Soils that possess more clay and organic matter have a higher capacity for cation exchange. However, negatively charged ions like sulfate (SO₄^2-), phosphate (H₂PO₄^-), and nitrate (NO3-) tend to leach away more rapidly.

Humus:

Humus is a dark, organic component that builds a crumbly soil. Humus retains water, supplies mineral nutrients, and provides good aeration.

Soil inhabitants:

Soil inhabitants like bacteria, algae, fungi, protists, worms, insects, and nematodes affect the physical as well as chemical properties of the soil. For example, bacteria enrich the soil with nitrogen and phosphorus and thereby improve the texture and quality of the soil.

Answer 9

Expert Solution & Answer

Answer 10

Expert Solution & Answer

Answer 11

Summary Introduction

To describe: The characteristics of fertile soil.

Introduction: Soil is a dynamic and natural system that is crucial for the sustenance of humanity. In the global ecosystem, soil performs five critical functions. This includes it acts as a medium for the growth of the plant, it regulates water supply, acts as a habitat for soil organisms, and raw materials recycler. The most important function of the soil is to store and supply essential nutrients to plants.

Answer 12

Explanation of Solution

Characteristics of fertile soil:

Soil texture:

Soil texture is considered as a unique property of the soil. Soil texture has a profound effect on the behaviour of soils, like nutrient retention, water holding capacity, nutrient supply, drainage, and nutrient leaching. Topsoil is the mixture of various mineral particles from the rock, for example, humus (decomposing organic matter) as well as living organisms.

Loams:

Loams are composed of equal parts of sand, clay, and slit. Loams are often considered as the most fertile soils. It encloses fine particles to offer a large surface area in order to retain water and also minerals. Moreover, sufficient coarse particles provide air for the roots to respire.

Topsoil composition:

In soil, the positively charged ions, namely K⁺, Mg²⁺, and Ca²⁺ stick to the negatively charged surfaces of soil particles. Hence, they are not easily lost by leaching process (filtration of water through the soil). During cation exchange, the hydrogen ions displace the positively charged mineral ion from soil particles, thereby making the ions easily available for absorption. Soils that possess more clay and organic matter have a higher capacity for cation exchange. However, negatively charged ions like sulfate (SO₄^2-), phosphate (H₂PO₄^-), and nitrate (NO3-) tend to leach away more rapidly.

Humus:

Humus is a dark, organic component that builds a crumbly soil. Humus retains water, supplies mineral nutrients, and provides good aeration.

Soil inhabitants:

Soil inhabitants like bacteria, algae, fungi, protists, worms, insects, and nematodes affect the physical as well as chemical properties of the soil. For example, bacteria enrich the soil with nitrogen and phosphorus and thereby improve the texture and quality of the soil.

Answer 13

Ch. 37 - Describe the characteristics of a fertile soil.Ch. 37 - Prob. 2IQ Ch. 37 - Prob. 3IQ Ch. 37 - Prob. 4IQ Ch. 37 - Prob. 5IQ Ch. 37 - Prob. 6IQ Ch. 37 - Prob. 7IQ Ch. 37 - Prob. 1SYK Ch. 37 - What are the similarities and differences between...Ch. 37 - The most fertile type of soil is usually a. sand,...

Describe the characteristics of a fertile soil.

Concept explainers

Videos

Explanation of Solution

Want to see more full solutions like this?

Chapter 37 Solutions