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WFHS-Soils
Soil Vocab
Term | Definition |
---|---|
Growing Media | the material that provides plants with nourishment and support through their root systems |
Decomposed | decayed into soil-building materials and nutrients |
Leaf Mold | partially decomposed plant leaves |
Compost | mixture of partially decayed organic matter |
Sphagnum | pale and ashy mosses used to condition soil |
Peat Moss | a type of organic matter made from sphagnum moss |
Perlite | natural volcanic glass material having water-holding capabilities |
Vermiculite | mineral matter used for starting plant seeds and cuttings |
Leached | certain elements have been washed out of the soil |
Microbe | living organism that requires the aid of a microscope to be seen |
Parent Material | the horizon of unconsolidated material from which soil developes |
Soil Horizon | A distinct layer of soil |
Soil Profile | a cross section view of the soil |
Percolation | movement of water through the soil |
Permeable | permitting movement |
`O Horizon | the soil layer that is on the surface that is composed of organic matter and a small amount of mineral matter |
A Horizon | layer near the soil surface that is made up of desirable proportions of mineral and organic matter |
B Horizon | soil below the A horizon (top soil) and generally referred to as subsoil |
C Horizon | soil below the B horizon; it is important for storing and releasing water to the upper layers of soil |
Silt | intermediate soil particles; .05 - .002mm |
Sand | largest soil particles; 1 to .05mm |
Loam | a relatively even mixture of sand, silt, and clay |
Clay | smallest of soil particles; less than .002mm |
Mineral Matter | non-living matter such as rocks |