Author Question: List and briefly describe the various chemical properties used to differentiate soils. What will ... (Read 53 times)

jenna1

  • Hero Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 568
List and briefly describe the various chemical properties used to differentiate soils.
 
  What will be an ideal response?

Question 2

Roughly 95 of the Earth's crust is made up of silicates.
 
  Indicate whether the statement is true or false



sylvia

  • Sr. Member
  • ****
  • Posts: 331
Answer to Question 1

Soil colloids are the tiny particles of clay or organic material suspended in the soil solution. These carry a negative electrical charge and, therefore, attract positively charged ions in the soil. These positively charged ions, are often critical to plant growth. Without these negatively charged colloids, these positively charged ions would be leached away.
Colloid surfaces can exchange cations with the soil solution. The ability to do so is called cation-exchange capacity (CEC). This is a measure of soil fertility  the higher the CEC, the higher the fertility.
A soil solution may contain a significant amount of hydrogen ions, which stimulate acid formation. Soils rich in hydrogen ions are an acidic soil, while those high in base cations (such as calcium, magnesium, potassium, and sodium) are basic or alkaline soils.

Answer to Question 2

FALSE



Related Topics

Need homework help now?

Ask unlimited questions for free

Ask a Question
 

Did you know?

The National Institutes of Health have supported research into acupuncture. This has shown that acupuncture significantly reduced pain associated with osteoarthritis of the knee, when used as a complement to conventional therapies.

Did you know?

Throughout history, plants containing cardiac steroids have been used as heart drugs and as poisons (e.g., in arrows used in combat), emetics, and diuretics.

Did you know?

Children of people with alcoholism are more inclined to drink alcohol or use hard drugs. In fact, they are 400 times more likely to use hard drugs than those who do not have a family history of alcohol addiction.

Did you know?

Limit intake of red meat and dairy products made with whole milk. Choose skim milk, low-fat or fat-free dairy products. Limit fried food. Use healthy oils when cooking.

Did you know?

Essential fatty acids have been shown to be effective against ulcers, asthma, dental cavities, and skin disorders such as acne.

For a complete list of videos, visit our video library