BIOL-2356EL Lecture Notes - Lecture 16: Soil Horizon, Soil Ph, Parent Material
4 Mar 2020
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Document Summary
Soils are part of an ecosystem containing biotic and abiotic elements. Development of soil reflects the environmental conditions and the organisms present. 1: water (with dissolved ions, air, organic matter: stable fraction (humus) and active fraction (easily decomposable stuff) Humid and cool climate formation of peat. Affects water flow, solar radiation and potential energy (hydrology, temperature and landslides) In a dry climate, south-exposed slopes may be too dry for forest growth. This also has an effect on soil development. They gather dust, moisture and debris accelerates early soil development. Less nutrient availability, plant growth and soil fauna like earthworms. Lichens excrete organic acids leads to corrosion of surface of rocks. Lichen can tolerate drought and can grow on bare rocks. Conifer litter tends to acidify the soil. Earthworms : decompose organic matter, form channels important for drainage, bring organic matter down, Plant roots influence soil structure bring minerals up, form aggregates which reduced erosion.
