Soil science

Soil science

That science dealing with soils as a natural resource on the surface of the earth including soil formation, classification and mapping; physical, chemical, biological, and fertility properties of soils per se; and these properties in relation to the use and management of soils.

Industry: Earth science

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Soil science

Soil complex

Earth science; Soil science

A kind of map unit used in soil surveys comprised of delineations, each of which shows the size, shape and location of a landscape unit composed of two or more kinds of component soils, or component ...

Solonchak

Earth science; Soil science

A great soil group of the intrazonal order and halomorphic suborder, consisting of soils with gray, thin, salty crust on the surface, and with fine granular mulch immediately below being underlain ...

Halloysite

Earth science; Soil science

A member of the kaolin subgroup of clay minerals. It is similar to kaolinite in structure and composition except that hydrated varieties occur that have interlayer water molecules. Halloysite ...

Ephemeral stream

Earth science; Soil science

A stream, or reach of a stream, that flows only in direct response to precipitation. It receives no protracted supply from melting snow or other source, and its channel is, at all times, above the ...

Topsoil

Earth science; Soil science

(i) The layer of soil moved in cultivation. Frequently designated as the Ap layer or Ap horizon. See also surface soil. (ii) Presumably fertile soil material used to topdress roadbanks, gardens, ...

Cutan

Earth science; Soil science

A modification of the texture, structure, or fabric at natural surfaces in soil materials due to concentration of particular soil constituents or in situ modification of the plasma.