ENVIRSC 2B03 Lecture 1: Soils Chapter 2 Lecture
7 Feb 2017
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Anything and everything that is at the surface of the soil. As soon as a(cid:374)y (cid:373)aterial is left (cid:271)ehi(cid:374)d a(cid:374)d it is(cid:374)"t (cid:271)ei(cid:374)g re(cid:449)orked i(cid:374) a(cid:374)y (cid:449)ay, it (cid:449)ill become populated by organisms. When there is population by organic material, it becomes a soil. On top of a hill, soil is good. On the slope, soil is lacking in life. On the bottom, soil is spectacular because of water accumulation. Most organic material releases co2 into the atmosphere upon decomposition: 60-80% Applying fertilizers and cultivating causes more loss of carbon. Soil formation is a complex process that takes place over decades or centuries. The soil pedon is an open, dynamic system that allows additions, removals, transfers, and transformations of energy and matter. Horizons develop as a result of: additions, removal, mixing, translocations, and transformations. A: mineral horizon formed near the surface in the zone of removal of materials in solution and suspension, maximum accumulation of organic carbon, or both.
