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Principles of Soils
Soil Organic Matter
| Term/Question | Definition/Answer |
|---|---|
| What three things are organic materials made of? | living insects/microbes; identifiable plant residue; humus |
| What is Humus? | organic materials made of carbon that are completely broken down |
| Humus | typically black; provides value |
| Photosynthesis | the starting point CO2 + H2O = Sugar + O2 |
| Life depends on soils | soils depend on life |
| Autotrophs | make own organic matter from inorganic nutrients and environmental energy source |
| Heterotrophs | must feed on organic matter for energy all other living things |
| What does the chain of life and soil consist of? | Plant, herbivores, carnivores, and decomposers |
| plants | primary producers |
| herbivores | primary consumers |
| carnivores | secondary consumers |
| decomposers | breakdown dead organisms |
| What plays a critical role in the carbon cycle of nature | soil |
| What are the function of organic matter? | increase nutrient and water storage, improve nutrient availability, improve soil aggregation, reduces soil erosion |
| A horizons | most have 1-6% OM, 20,000-120,000 lbs/acre-furrow-slice |
| What two things make organic material easier to build up? | plant growth and moisture |
| What are five things we can do to maintain and build soil organic matter? | reduce tillage - no-till; leave crop residue in field - don't bale it; use cover crops; diversify crop rotation; organic matter additions - mulches, compost, manure |
| What type of climate is helpful when building up organic matter? | the cooler/wetter the climate, the easier it is to build up organic matter |
| Soil Microorganisms | level/quantity of soil microorganisms depends on soil properties and the role of soil microorganisms |
| What are some of the roles of microorganisms? | decomposition of OM; release of nutrients (cycle); transfer nutrients directly to plant roots; assist in water/nutrient absorption; decomposition of pesticides |
| What are the different types of organisms? | Bacteria; Fungi; Actinomycetes; Algae; Protozoa; Nematodes |
| Bacteria | simple, one celled organisms; important in residue breakdown/soil nutrient cycling nitrogen fixing bacteria (different species for different legume plants |
| Fungi | major role in residue decompostition |
| Actinomycetes | thread shaped bacteria-like organisms; breakdown complex organic matter |
| Algae | photosynthetic microbes - naturally add carbon to soil |
| Protozoa | single celled organisms; many feed on bacteria, soil food cycles |
| Nematodes | small roundworms; some beneficial, some pests |
| What are two macro-organisms in soils? | earthworms; shredders |
| Earthworms | residue breakdown, organic matter cycling, improves soil structure/aeration |
| The amount of organic matter in the soil depends on what? | vegetation - living/unharvested; climate - warm moisture conditions; soil texture - medium best; soil drainage - not standing water; tillage - get rid of it |
| What are the four principles of soil health? | minimize disturbance; maximize biodiversity; maximize soil cover; maximize living roots |
Created by:
horktera
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