Soils vocab flashcard 1

Front

A soil layer differing in color and texture from adjacent layers.

Back

soil horizon

Front

Plants shed leaves, leaving remains on the ground.

Back

litter

Front

Solid layer of rock beneath soil.

Back

bedrock

Front

Soil made of equal parts clay, sand, and silt.

Back

loam

Front

Also called horizon B, consists mostly of clay and other particles.

Back

subsoil

Front

Water passing through soil layers, carrying nutrients.

Back

leaching

Front

Crumbly, dark brown soil, a mix of humus, clay, and minerals, also called horizon A.

Back

topsoil

Front

Loose, weathered material on Earth's surface for plant growth.

Back

Soil

Front

Dark organic substance from decayed plant and animal remains.

Back

humus

Front

Organisms that break down dead remains and digest them chemically.

Back

Decomposers