Soil Science Assignment Joshua

Soil science assignment
Submitted by:- Joshua Samuel
Arid no:- 20-ARID-2932
Bs.c (Hons) agriculture
Section:-B
Qno1:- How do raindrop cause soil loss?
Answer:-
The surface crust is caused by a breakdown of soil aggregates due to raindrop impact. The
raindrop splash detaches particles that fill soil pores. Additionally, soil crusts create conditions
that are extremely conducive to soil erosion during following rainfall events.
In a normal rainfall, raindrops six millimeters in diameter hit the ground at 20 miles per hour.
Instead of soaking into the soil, rainwater collects and moves down-slope in sheet or rill erosion,
forming gullies and carrying soil particles. A heavy rainstorm may splash as much as 90 tons of
soil per acre. Most of the splashed soil particles don't leave the field; they clog surface pores,
which in turn reduces water infiltration, increases water runoff, and increases soil erosion.
Qno2:-How does soil structure influence the amount of soil lost by raindrop splash and
runoff water?
Answer:-
The greater the intensity and duration of a rainstorm, the higher the erosion potential. The
impact of raindrops on the soil surface can break down soil aggregates and disperse the
aggregate material. Lighter aggregate materials such as very fine sand, silt, clay and organic
matter are easily removed by the raindrop splash and runoff water; greater raindrop energy or
runoff amounts are required to move larger sand and gravel particles.
Soil movement by rainfall (raindrop splash) is usually greatest and most noticeable during short-
duration, high-intensity thunderstorms. Although the erosion caused by long-lasting and less-
intense storms is not usually as spectacular or noticeable as that produced during
thunderstorms, the amount of soil loss can be significant, especially when compounded over
time.
Qno3:- How does vegetation reduce soil loss that is caused by water erosion?
Answer:
Vegetation covers Plants slow down water as it flows over the land and this allows much of the
rain to soak into the ground. Plant roots hold the soil in position and prevent it from being blown
or washed away. Plants break the impact of a raindrop before it hits the soil, reducing the soil's
ability to erode.
Plants often bind soil together with their root systems, which means they're able to serve as a
protective layer that can help prevent soil erosion in several ways. The plant's roots also hold
the soil in position, which makes it harder to wash away accidentally.
Qno4:-Describe how each of the following soil properties affects the erodibility of soils?
1. Texture
2. Structure
3. Organic matter content
4. Moisture content
Answer:-
 Texture:-
Soil texture affects soil resistance to erosion. The coarser the soil texture, the
smaller the active surface area of the soil particles, and the smaller is the
resistance of the soil to erosion. Soil texture usually changes with soil depth but
the texture of the soil surface horizon is considered as most important.
 Structure:-
Soil structure affects plant growth by influencing root distribution and the ability to
take up water and nutrients. Disturbance of soil structure through compaction or
tillage can result in the rapid recycling of nutrients, crusting (the hardening of the
soil surface layer) reduced water and air availability to roots.
 Organic matter content:-
Properties influenced by organic matter include: soil structure; moisture holding
capacity; diversity and activity of soil organisms, both those that are beneficial and
harmful to crop production; and nutrient availability. It also influences the effects of
chemical amendments, fertilizers, pesticides and herbicides.
 Moisture content:-
Higher soil moisture increases chemical weathering and moves minerals, such as
bases, deeper into the soil profile. Biotic agents have greatly affected the soil
formation process. These include organisms that live in the soil, such as bacteria
and gophers, and vegetation growing on the surface.

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Soil Science Assignment Joshua

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Soil science assignment

Submitted by:- Joshua Samuel

Arid no:- 20-ARID-2932

Bs.c (Hons) agriculture

Qno1:- How do raindrop cause soil loss?

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