Soil types and soil concerns

1. Soil types and soil concerns

2. The formation of residual soil is a complex interaction of the CLORPT factors. These in turn lead to the formation of a variety of soils, distinctly different in physical and chemical characteristics. This great variety of soils has led to a complex classification system, called soil taxonomy. Soil taxonomy

3. This system classifies soil based on physical characteristics: • Colour • Texture • Degree of nutrients depletion • Climatic conditions • Organic matter content • Soil chemistry, etc.

4. An earlier model used for classification had only 4 categories of soil: • Pedalfer • Pedocal • Tundra soils • Laterite soils • This system is based on climate, the predominant soil-forming factor An alternate classification system

5. Forms in an Arctic environment where precipitation is minimal and average annual temperature are low. The dominated weathering is achieved by physical means as precipitation is limited These soils are generally very thin and rocky. Organic matter is minimal. Tundra soils

6. This type of soil contains an accumulation of calcium carbonate (CaCO3). These soils are found where temperatures are relatively high and rainfall is low, e.g. arid environments. This tends to prevent leaching of the minerals Vegetation is predominantly grass or brush Pedocal soils

7. The calcium carbonate build up in the soil gives it a light colour in the B-horizon Organic nutrients can accumulate , but the lack of water limits plant productivity. Soils are generally thin.

8. Are soils that have iron oxides, clays or both accumulated in the B-horizon. These soils are commonly found in temperate, humid environments beneath forest vegetation Precipitation is more frequent in these areas. Pedalfer soils

9. Chemical weathering leads to thicker soils, up to several meters. Leaching occurs in both the A- and B-horizons which removes calcium carbonates , meaning that the soil is rich in aluminum, iron and some silicon. The soil is rich in clays and is a reddish colour. The A-horizon tends to be humus-rich from the forest litter.

10. These soils develop in tropical environments such as rainforest. The annual precipitation and temperatures are extremely high. Intense leaching which leads to the soil having a very red colour Laterite soils

11. Microorganisms decompose the vegetation quickly, along with the high level of leaching leads to this being an infertile soil.

12. Relationship between climatic conditions and soil types Tundra Laterite Pedalfer Pedocal

13. Currently soil resources are being taxed to the extent that more soil is being eroded into the oceans than nature can replenish. • Soils has become subjected to soil depletion • The loss of soil from erosion • and soil degradation • The loss of fertility, soil pollution Soil concerns

14. Soil lost to the oceans annually Cause is poor agricultural practices. 2. Deforestation, logging, mining and poor farming practices. 3. 4. 5. is caused by desertification, a result of over grazing by animals

15. Typically this results from the loss of vegetative cover. Once the plant roots are removed the soil becomes vulnerable to the elements. Soil depletion

17. Soil Orders of Canada

18. The following is a link which show photos of the different soils found in Canada http://sis2.agr.gc.ca/cansis/images/intro.html Soil Landscape Illustrations