Ag Science 7 Biological characteristics of soil

What is the biomass of a soil?

• Is the total mass of living material in a habitat

• The plant and animal material which has been decomposed

• The process by which soil organic matter is converted to humus.

• A community of microorganisms (e.g. bacteria and fungi) that inhabit a particular environment

What is humus?

• Is the total mass of living material in a habitat

• The plant and animal material which has been decomposed

• The process by which soil organic matter is converted to humus.

• A community of microorganisms (e.g. bacteria and fungi) that inhabit a particular environment

What is Humification?

• Is the total mass of living material in a habitat

• The plant and animal material which has been decomposed

• The process by which soil organic matter is converted to humus.

• A community of microorganisms (e.g. bacteria and fungi) that inhabit a particular environment

What is a microbiome?

• Is the total mass of living material in a habitat

• The plant and animal material which has been decomposed

• The process by which soil organic matter is converted to humus.

• A community of microorganisms (e.g. bacteria and fungi) that inhabit a particular environment

Which of these microorganism are found in the soil?

• Bacteria

• Actinomycetes

• Fungi

What is a symbiotic relationship?

• Where different organisms live in a close relationship and at least one organism benefits

• Both organisms benefit from the relationship

What is a mutualistic relationship?

• Where different organisms live in a close relationship and at least one organism benefits

• Both organisms benefit from the relationship

What is the rhizophere?

• The zone of soil surrounding a plant root where the biology and chemistry of the soil are influenced by the plant root

• Area of the cortex and endodermis of root where microorganisms can occupy spaces between cells and makes use of nutrients by roots

What is the endorhizophere?

• The zone of soil surrounding a plant root where the biology and chemistry of the soil are influenced by the plant root

• Area of the cortex and endodermis of root where microorganisms can occupy spaces between cells and makes use of nutrients by roots

What the advantages of mycorrhizal fungi?

• Enhance the water-holding capacity of the soil

• Help bind soil particles together, better structure and prevent soil erosion

• Have a selective intake of minerals, preventing toxicity from heavy metals

• Provide resistance against nematodes to the plants