APES Chapter 9 Study Guide and Vocab

Cuts deeply into soil,leaving large gullies that expand as erosion proceeds

water flows in thin sheets over broad surfaces washing topsoil away in uniform layers.

water runs along small furrow deepening them into rills.

raindrops dislodge soil particles that fill in gaps between clumps, decreasing the soil’s ability to absorb water.

The practice of cultivating soil, producing crops, and raising livestock for human use and consumption.

A complex plant-supporting system consisting of disintegrated rock, organic matter, air, water, nutrients, and microorganisms. A renewable source that renews itself SLOWLY over time. Is considered an ecosystem because it inhabits many organisms like earthworms, mites and sow bugs.

A distinct layer of soil

Topsoil. Made of inorganic/organic matter/humus mixed in. Takes its loose texture dark coloration and strong water holding capacity from Its humus content. Most NUTRITIOUS. Located below o horizon.

minerals and organic matter leach from e horizon into b horizon. This is subsoil, where they accumulate. Below e horizon.

Mainly of weathered parent material unaltered/slightly altered by the processes of soil

minerals and organic matter leach out of e horizon, below a horizon.

Uppermost layer. Mostly of organic matter deposited by organisms.

made of pure parent material. Bottommost layer.

O A E B C R.

ediment consisting of particles less than 0.002 mm in diameter. Small particles, harder for water to pass through, slowing infiltration and reducing the amount of oxygen available to soil biota.