ECS 301 Lecture Notes - Lecture 1: Pedogenesis, Binomial Nomenclature, Soil Horizon
18 Sep 2016
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Document Summary
Effect of soil organic carbon on soil quality and function. If all levels are equal it is more productive. Soil organic carbon makes up about 60% of soil. Holds lots of organic compounds nutrients and trace elements. Soc serves as respiratory for carbon dioxide. Decomposing organic matter (active fraction ) 33-50% Land uses that decrease soc- reduce carbon inputs and raise decomposition of soil. Increase carbon input or decrease losses and organic material. Growing food in a human conceived design that minimizes harmful impacts and mimics a desirable ecosystem. Goals: build soil and retain structure, minimize external inputs and outgoing waste work with natural processes rather than against them, reduce chemicals- pesticides, herbicides and fungicides. Every component in a permaculture system has the equivalent of ecological niche- its needs (inputs) and wastes (outputs) Function stacking- every component has multiple functions. Which means a symbiotic relationship with bacteria that takes nitrogen and converts it into nitrogen that the soil can use.
