BSC 116 Chapter Notes - Chapter 37: Sustainable Agriculture, Rhizobacteria, Drip Irrigation
16 Feb 2017
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Section 37. 1: soil contains a living, complex ecosystem. Topsoil- mineral particles released by weathering that become mixed with living organisms and humus: plants are nourished by the soil solution, the water and dissolved minerals in the pores between soil particles. The pores also contain air pockets: loams- composed pf roughly equal amounts of sand, silt, and clay. Have enough small silt and clay particles to provide ample surface area for the adhesion and retention of minerals and water: a soil"s composition encompasses its inorganic (mineral) and organic chemical components. The organic components include the many life-forms that inhabit the soil. Soil horizons- the topsoil and other soil layers. The surface charges of soil particles determine their ability to bind many nutrients: most soil particles are negatively charged. In general, the more clay and organic matter in the soil, the higher the cation exchange capacity.
