Explore tens of thousands of sets crafted by our community.
Soil Types and Properties
10
Flashcards
0/10
Saline Soil
Saline soil has high salt content, which hinders the growth of most crops. It requires management to reduce salinity for agricultural use, often through leaching or good irrigation practices.
Sandy Soil
Sandy soil has a gritty texture, drains quickly, and does not hold onto nutrients well. It is often used for crops that require good drainage like root vegetables.
Mollisol Soil
Mollisol soil is highly fertile with a dark, soft surface layer rich in organic matter. It provides excellent conditions for growing a wide range of crops, especially grains.
Loamy Soil
Loamy soil is considered ideal for gardening and agriculture. It has a balance of sand, silt, and clay, drains well and retains nutrients effectively. It's versatile for many crops.
Peaty Soil
Peaty soil is dark, has a spongy texture due to high organic matter, drains slowly and is acidic. It's often used for cultivating acid-loving plants and improving other soil types.
Clay Soil
Clay soil has a sticky texture when wet, drains poorly, and can hold nutrients but also prevents roots from accessing them easily. It is used with careful management for various crops, often using raised beds.
Vertisol Soil
Vertisol soil, rich in clay, swells when wet and shrinks when dry, causing deep cracks. It is challenging for root crops but can be suitable for grains when managed correctly.
Silt Soil
Silt soil has a smooth texture, holds water better than sandy soil, yet drains more effectively than clay. It is fertile and good for most agricultural crops.
Pumice Soil
Pumice soil is formed from volcanic ash and pumice fragments. It has excellent drainage and is lightweight, but may require additional nutrients for optimal plant growth.
Chalky Soil
Chalky soil is alkaline due to the lime-rich rocks it forms from, has a gritty texture, and often has problems with water retention. It suits certain crops like spinach and beans which benefit from the high pH.
© Hypatia.Tech. 2024 All rights reserved.