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

muscovite

Earth science; Soil science

A clear, dioctahedral layer silicate of the mica group with Al3+ in the octahedral layer and Si and Al in a ratio of 3:1 in the tetrahedral layer.

reduced matrix

Earth science; Soil science

A soil matrix which has a low chroma in situ, but undergoes a change in hue or chroma within 30 minutes after the soil material is exposed to air. The color change is due to the oxidation of iron.

duff

Earth science; Soil science

A generally firm organic layer on the surface of mineral soils. It consists of fallen plant material that is in the process of decomposition and includes everything from the litter on the surface to ...

microcline

Earth science; Soil science

A potassium feldspar identical in composition to orthoclase but differing in internal structure. KAlSi3O8.

dynamic penetrometer

Earth science; Soil science

A penetrometer which is driven into the soil by a hammer or falling weight.

desert pavement

Earth science; Soil science

A natural, residual concentration of wind-polished, closely packed pebbles, boulders, and other rock fragments, mantling a desert surface where wind action and sheetwash have removed all smaller ...

microrelief

Earth science; Soil science

(i) Generically refers to local, slight irregularities in form and height of a land surface that are superimposed upon a larger landform, including such features as low mounds, swales, and shallow ...