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

Surface soil

Earth science; Soil science

The uppermost part of the soil, ordinarily moved in tillage, or its equivalent in uncultivated soils and ranging in depth from 7 to 25 cm. Frequently designated as the plough layer, the surface ...

Lessivage

Earth science; Soil science

Translocation of silicate clay particles within a soil, usually downward translocation is implied, and the mechanism of movement is usually infiltrating water. (added 6/1/2000)

Particle density

Earth science; Soil science

The density of the soil particles, the dry mass of the particles being divided by the solid (not bulk) volume of the particles, in contrast with bulk density. Units are Mg m-3.

Seedling emergence

Earth science; Soil science

That point in time when a young plant grown from seed first breaks through the soil surface.

Agronomic rate

Earth science; Soil science

The rate at which fertilizers, organic wastes or other amendments can be added to soils for optimum plant growth.

Porosity

Earth science; Soil science

The volume of pores in a soil sample (nonsolid volume) divided by the bulk volume of the sample.

PHc

Earth science; Soil science

The calculated pH that a solution would have if it were in equilibrium with calcium carbonate. Numerically, pHc* is equal to (pK2 - pKc) + p(Ca) + pAlk, where p(Ca) and pAlk are the negative ...