PLSC204 Lecture 1: Soil Science Introduction
19 Jan 2019
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Document Summary
Welcome to plsc 204 - introduction to soil science. 5 functions/ crucial ecological roles of soil. Recycling system for nutrients and organic wastes. Engineering medium (will not talk about in the class) Not dirt, dirt is soil at a place. Natural medium fo the growth of land plants (simplistic) A natural body composed of solids, liquid, and gases that occurs on the land surface, occupies space, and is characterized by one or both of the following. Horizons or layers that are distinguishable from the initial material as a result of additions, losses, transfers and transformations of energy and matter, or the ability to support rooted plants in a natural environment. Sort of layer cake, they have different horizons. Biggest diameter is sand with 2. 0-0. 05mm, silt is. 0. 05-0. 002 mm, and clay is smaller than 0. 002mm diameter. Massive soil vs. well developed granular structure. Good soil structure promotes air / water balance in clay-rich soils and helps reduce water runoff and erosion.
