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

Add a new term

Contributors in Soil science

Become a Contributors

Soil science

Penetrability

Earth science; Soil science

The ease with which a probe can be pushed into the soil. (May be expressed in units of distance, speed, force, or work depending on the type of penetrometer used. )

Spatial variability

Earth science; Soil science

The variation in soil properties (i) laterally across the landscape, or (ii) vertically downward through the soil.

Residence time

Earth science; Soil science

The time required for an individual solute ion or molecule to travel through the soil.

Cleavage plane

Earth science; Soil science

The smooth, flat surface along which a mineral readily breaks.

Saturation extract

Earth science; Soil science

The solution extracted from a soil at its saturation water content.

Water table

Earth science; Soil science

The upper surface of ground water or that level in the ground where the water is at atmospheric pressure.

Cation exchange capacity (CEC)

Earth science; Soil science

The sum of exchangeable bases plus total soil acidity at a specific pH, values, usually 7. 0 or 8. 0. When acidity is expressed as salt extractable acidity, the cation exchange capacity is called ...