Soil Genesis and Development, Scenario 3 - Soils and Salts

This case study addresses how soil formed in different parts of the landscape influences productivity in the broad sense of both economic and noneconomic flora and fauna. The Learning Objectives Identify the factors of soil formation and distinguish between the active and passive factors. Describe how soil-forming factors may interact to produce a soil seen in different places in the landscape. Define the basic chemical and physical processes of soil formation. Identify the main soil horizons and describe the basic differences between each. Given information on geographic location, climate, biota, and parent material, predict the soil order that exists at the site. Identify and describe the roles of soil in the global ecosystem. Describe and locate human activities that cause soil degradation and/or erosion. [Lesson map of application scenario on agroecosystems. Highlighted in red on the map are concepts addressed in this application lesson. Image courtesy of UNL, 2006.] Modules: Lesson home The Learning Objectives The Situation The Problem Soil Formation Factors Soil Horizons Soil Forming Processes Soil Series Soil Classification Soil Function Soil Degradation Recommendation Summary Glossar