Demetria, Karis B.

– 1st year-BSChe-BCHE 111/L-2998

Let’s Check

1. What are the different layers of soil/soil horizons?

- There are at least six horizons of soil, with four or five being the main horizons. These
are referred to as the O horizon, which is a mix of the humus and litter layer and
contains several vegetative coverings comprised of organic materials, followed by the
A horizon, which is typically referred to as the topsoil and the root zone. Sand, silt, and
clay with significant organic content make up this horizon. Additionally, the E horizon
is typical of forested areas, is frequently rich in nutrients, and contains less clay. High
amounts of silicate clay, iron, aluminum, and carbonates are also present in the B
horizon. It is also sometimes referred to as the illuviation zone. The C horizon, also
called the saprolite layer, comes next. This horizon is primarily composed of
fragmented bedrock and no organic material, and it lacks all the characteristics of the
layers around it. The R horizon, which is the last, contains elements that have been
crushed and cemented due to the weight of the horizons beneath it.
2. What are the compositions of soil?
- The soil is made up of minerals, water, gases, living things, and organic matter.
3. What are the macronutrients and micronutrients present in the soil?
- The macronutrients present in soil are nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, calcium,
magnesium, and sulfur. The micronutrients present in the soil on the other hand are
iron, manganese, boron, molybdenum, copper, zinc, chlorine, and cobalt in relatively
small quantities.

Let’s Analyze

1. Differentiate permeability from porosity.

- The quantity of pore space between particles in soil or rocks is referred to as porosity.
This pore space is used to connect the spaces so that water can move through thanks to
permeability, the capacity to transmit fluid through. While permeability is more closely
related to groundwater flow and movement, porosity is more closely related to the
storage of water.
 2. Your plants are showing signs of iron deficiency. You check the soil pH and it is 8.0.
What would most likely be the best way to eliminate iron deficiency and why?
- Iron fertilizer must be added to the soil or more soluble iron must be made available to
the plants in order to cure the iron shortage in plants. This is done by changing the pH
of the soil to make it more acidic so that more nutrients are available to the plant in
soluble form for absorption.
3. How can knowledge of the climate of an area help you make an initial assessment of
soil fertility?
- Based on the historical weather and latitude, you may occasionally anticipate the future
soil fertility using this knowledge. In temperate regions, there are certain soil kinds, and
in the tropics, there are various soil types. Weather causes soil to "weather." The soils
would differ from those in dry environments in areas where it rains. Additionally, the
influence of the climate on organisms has an indirect impact on how soil is formed.
Rainfall and high temperatures accelerate weathering, which expands the amount of
soil development. Rainfall increases the amount of organic matter, lowers pH,
accelerates the leaching of basic ions, moves mud, and such.

In a Nutshell

1. You know that the air around you is full of nitrogen, yet your garden shows signs that
it could use a little of it. How can you harness some of the nitrogen in your garden?
- You can try adding composted manure to the soil, growing nitrogen-fixing plants like
peas, adding coffee grounds, or you can buy nitrogen fertilizer to help your garden.
2. Is adding a large quantity of nitrogen-rich amendments to your garden before you plant
necessarily a good thing to do? Why or why not?
- Although it is one of the essential nutrients for plants, too much nitrogen in the soil is
more likely to cause harm than good. It will make plants appear nourished and green
and cause them to produce an abundance of leaves, however, it will greatly reduce their
ability to produce fruit and flowers and encourage the growth of certain mites and
sucking insects.
3. What is the most important thing you can do to mineral soil in order to ensure an
adequate supply of and maximum availability of plant nutrients?
- To ensure optimum micronutrient content in the soil, it is necessary to maintain high
levels of organic matter, promote biological activity, and improve soil organic matter.