GGR112H5 Chapter Notes - Chapter 18-19: Soil Fertility, Humus, Soil Horizon
Document Summary
Soil science: the interdisciplinary study of soil as a natural resource on earth"s surface, the field draws on aspects of physics. 50% mineral and organic matter and 50% of air and water soil. Soil is an open system with physical inputs of insolation, water, rock and sediment, and microorganisms, human societies, and improve air and water quality. The orientation of slopes relative to the sun is also important, because it controls exposure to sunlight. Hemisphere, a south facing slope is warmer overall through the year because it receives direct sunlight. North facing slopes are colder causing slower snowmelt and a lower evaporation rate. Soil profile: a vertical section of soil that extends from the surface to the deepest extent to plant roots or to the point where regolith or bedrock is encountered. Soil horizons: roughly parallel to the land surface. Humus: a mixture of decomposed and synthesized organic material that is usually dark in colour.
