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Soils
Biological Characteristics of Soil
Term | Definition |
---|---|
Soil Biomass | The total mass of living organisms in the soil |
Humification | The process by which soil organic matter is converted to humus |
Microbiome | A community of microorganisms (e.g., bacteria and fungi) that inhabit a particular environment. |
Symbiotic Relationship | Where different organisms live in a close relationship |
Mutualistic Relationship | Both organisms benefit from the relationship |
Nitrification | Conversion of ammonia or ammonium compounds into nitrite or nitrate |
Parasite | An organism that lives on another host organism. The parasite usually benefits at the expense of the host and may cause damage to the host. |
Endorhizosphere | Area of the cortex and the endodermis of root where microorganisms can occupy spaces between cells and make use of nutrients released by roots |
Rhizoplane | The external surface of the roots adhering soil particles |
Ectorhizosphere | The area of the rhizosphere which extends from the rhizoplane to the bulk soil |
Rhizosphere | The zone of soil surrounding a plant root where the biology and chemistry of the soil are influenced by the plant root. It is the most biologically active part of the soil with microorganisms benefitting from the chemical compounds released by the roots |
Sequester | The act of forming a stable compound from an ion, atom or molecule so that it is unavailable for other chemical reactions |
Soil Capping | When a crust forms on a soil surface and reduces the permeability of a soil. |