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    Soil Science

    Soil science is the study of soil as a natural resource on the surface of the earth. It encompasses the sub-topics of soil formation, classification and mapping. These topics can be studied through an analysis of the physical, chemical, biological or fertility properties. The main concern of a soil scientist is how to preserve soil and arable land in a world with a growing population, future water crisis, increasing per capita food consumption and land degradation. These problems are being researched extensively by engineers, agronomists, chemists, geologists, physical geographers, ecologists, biologists, microbiologists, and many other experts. The two main divisions of soil science are pedology and edaphology. 

    Pedology is the study of soil in its natural environment. It typically looks at pedogenesis, soil morphology and soil classification. Pedologists are interested in the practical applications of understanding the evolution and functioning of soils. Pedologists have discovered that through the knowledge of soils history, it will be possible to ensure its sustainable use. There is a crucial need to preserve soil for vegetation support, interactions between the climate and the life within the soil. 

    Edaphology is concerned with the influence of soils on living things, in particular plants. Edaphology looks at how soil influences man’s use of land for plant growth. Agricultural soil science is the application of soil chemistry, physics and biology in the production of crops. Physical edaphology is associated with crop irrigation and drainage.

    Soil surveying is the process of determining the soil types or other properties of the soil over a specific region. These results are then mapped for an ease of understanding. Soil surveying relies on distinguishing the individual influences of the five classic soil forming factors. This can be done through geomorphology, physical geography and the analysis of vegetation and land-use patterns. 

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    Soil Science and Sustainable Agriculture

    Please help discuss ideas on the following questions: • What is the difference between government-owned and public lands. Which government agencies are involved with government-owned lands? What is the purpose of government-owned lands? • Why is the forest an important ecosystem? • What is the definition of forest man

    Examining Soil Types and Soil Composition

    1.1 Is the soil found at your home the same as the soil in front of the chemistry building on your campus or local shopping mall? How does it differ? 2.1 What properties of soil and its components could be measured to determine whether two soil samples are consistent with having a common origin? 3.1 How can we identify what

    Environmental assessment of soil, air, and water

    The onus is on the world community to establish a paradigm for soil preservation as the entire globe's soil solvency is jeopardized by the practices that are engaged in with industrialized cultivation of the land using wide scale pesticides and other soil killing tactics. Therefore, focusing on this global issue is an extremely

    Soil degradation and erosion

    Choose a topic that is related to a soil, air or water issue on which you would like to write a short paper. The paper will be due in week 15. Tell us the subject and give a brief overview of what you will discuss in your paper. Be sure to review the instructions on writing a paper in the Course Documents area of the courseroom

    Soil and the Effects of Tillage

    How do soil types (sand, silt, clay content) or soil restrictions, such as rockiness or hard pans influence choices related to power source, tillage, and planting equipment? Discuss limitations due to soil features and how a producer might overcome challenges.

    Factors in Soil Genesis

    I need help with the following question: Of the 5 factors, which do you find to be the most important in soil genesis? What is your reasoning for your choice?

    What are some factors that influence soil formation?

    I need help with the following questions: What are some factors that influence soil formation? Why is mechanical weathering most effective in cold regions and chemical weathering most effective in warm, moist regions? Why do soils from different climates have different profiles?

    How Geologic Maps can assist in earthquake planning

    1. Discuss how studying rocks, sediment, inactive and active faults from geologic maps can help people live in an earthquake-prone area. 2. Hypothesize why the focus of an earthquake is not at the surface.

    Power of the water is the main cause for the erosion. Events like flooding can dramatically increase the flow of the water. Another reason for the erosion is the gravity. The slope failure occurs when the materials that consisted in the bank are no longer able to withstand the forces of gravity. In some cases, piping or increase of water table is also a known cause for the erosion of the outer banks. The force of the river is very strong that it will loosen rocks and soil on the river bed and banks. The pressure is especially exerted on the bends. Gradually, it wears banks and weakens it. This process is known as the hydraulic action. During the flow of river, the rocks and pebbles smash together and form into small particles. This is known as attrition. On the process of flow, the soluble particles or minerals like chalks and limestone are dissolved into the water. This process is known as solution or corrosion. Large pieces of load through the river like rocks can weary down the river bed. This is called as abrasion or corrasion. As the river transport materials, fine materials such as clay, silt and fine sand are carried along the water. This process is known as suspension. During the time of flood, when the current is strong, large rocks and boulders are pushed through the river bed. This process is known as traction.

    There were many reasons for the erosion of the outer bank of the rivers. The power of the water is one of the main causes for the outer bank erosion. The energy generated by the rivers while traveling is great. Events like flooding can dramatically increase the flow of the water. Another reason for the erosion is the gravity

    Theorize the difference in soil development in adjoining soils...

    Theorize the difference in soil development in adjoining soils developed on forested, sloped area versus a grassed flat area. What are the soil-forming factors? Explain the importance of the nature of the parent material to soil formation and type. Then, cite at least 2 examples in which the influence of parent materials might

    Earth Science roles of weathering in different climates.

    Describe the roles of weathering in different climates. Considering the various processes involved in mechanical and chemical weathering, what are some of the factors that influence or control the weathering of earth materials? Also, which of these factors would be most important and why.

    Revised Universal Soil Loss Equation (RUSLE)

    The Revised Universal Soil Loss Equation (RUSLE)has many factors to it. The equation is A=RK(LS)CP. Based on this equation would the following below DECREASE or INCREASE: A. Increasing the length of the hillside (going down) will ____ erosion B. Increasing the slope of the hillside will _____ erosion C. Poor crop/lawn

    Water Resources/Science

    Please see the attached questions. 1. The Colorado River water has an EC of 1.25 dS/m (1 dS/m is approximately equivalent to 700 mg/l). Calculate how much salt is added to a field of 1 Ac during a year if the total irrigation for crop production for the year is 5 ft (hint: unit conversion!). 2. The rainfall intensity duri

    Bioremediation Technology

    Compare and contrast bioremediation, soil vapor extraction, and air sparging. What method(s) could you use to enhance their efficiencies in removing contaminants from the environment?

    Threats to Farmlands and the Conversion of Natural Landscapes

    A. What was the greatest threat to U.S. farmlands in the 1930s? What was done to alleviate the threat? What is currently the greatest farmland threat, and what can be done to alleviate it? b. What happens when forests or grasslands are converted to farmlands? Please discuss, in terms of environmental spheres