We explain what they are and what the different layers of the soil are. Also, what types of soils exist and what is soil erosion.
Each layer of the soil has a specific composition.What are soil layers?
The I usually is the surface layer of the Earth crust. Under it are several layers, which differ from each other in their appearance, texture and the materials that compose them.
The soil is made up of three layers:
- Lower. It is made up of rocks.
- Intermediate Is composed of Water, clay, stones and sand.
- Higher. It is made up of mulch (made up of sand, minerals, plants and dead animals), air and water.
Edaphology is the science that is responsible for the study of the soil and its relationship with plants.
What is the soil?
The soil is the layer that covers the surface of the planet Earth. In it the life of plants and animals.
It is composed of remains of living beings, sand, minerals, salts, rocks, water, air, plants and small animals. The organisms that die on the ground are decomposed by microorganisms, which make them organic material and integrate them to the same soil.
The soil is a very thin layer that was formed over the centuries, from the rocks that were disintegrating by the friction with the water, the winds and the temperatures. It is a non-renewable resource for the long periods it takes for its formation.
Soil strata
In addition to the main layers, the soil can have up to six strata or horizons.In addition to the three layers already mentioned, more specifically five horizons that make up the soil are identified:
- Horizon 0. It is the upper layer of the soil. It is made up of organic material detached from plants, such as leaves and branches. Insects and animals live there.
- Horizon A. It is the most fertile layer. Dark in color, it is made up of decomposed organs or humus and minerals.
- Horizon B. Its color is lighter, and in it metal hydroxides, clay, salts and oxides are deposited that are dragged from the horizon A.
- Horizon C. Here there are no deposits of materials nor is there removal, nor does organic matter accumulate.
- Horizon D. It is the deepest layer of the soil and the one that gives rise to it. It is made up of rocks that were not altered.
- Horizon E. This layer is found on some occasions. It has little luminal development and is light in color.
Types of soil
Different types of soil can be identified, according to their characteristics:
- Limestone. They are composed of minerals such as clay, hematite, calcium and magnesium carbonate. It is an arid and dry soil, so it is not a good alternative for cultivation.
- Sandy. They are dry, rough and do not hold water well, so it drains faster. Due to their lack of nutrients, they do not stand out as being suitable for agriculture. They are characterized by retaining temperature and having particles larger than the rest of the soils.
- Limosos. They are composed of sand and clay. They are dark brown in color and, unlike sandy soils, in these soils the particles are smaller and softer. In addition, they manage to retain nutrients and water for longer. Thanks to its nutrients and humidity, it is a question of fertile soils suitable for cultivation and in it almost all plant species develop, except those that need a habitat dried.
- Clayey. They are composed of fine yellowish grains. Half of them are clay, which makes them retain a lot of water and nutrients. As their porosity is low, they do not aerate but instead form puddles and can even rot, so they are not a good option for agriculture.
- Stony. They are characterized by being composed of small stones that make them semi waterproof, which prevents the entry of water and makes it difficult to farming.
- Salinos. They are soils typical of dry areas and do not have good drainage. Its high salt content hinders the growth of species vegetables.
- Humiferous. They are good for cultivation as their decomposed organic material makes them very fertile. Their color is very dark since they absorb a lot of water and have a large percentage of decomposing organisms.
- Of peat. They are porous and retain moisture even in dry seasons, making them ideal for growing. Of black or very dark brown color, they manage to protect the roots in times of low temperatures. Also, thanks to its pH acid control soil pests.
Soil erosion
The coast is constantly subjected to the erosive action of the sea.
Soil erosion occurs from factors such as wind or the passage of water. The erosion It damages the fertility of the soil since it generates a reduction of organic matter and minerals.
There are different types of soil erosion:
- Geological erosion. It occurs as a consequence of heat, cold, winds, snow or rain and takes millions of years.
- Eolic erosion. It is a very slow process that occurs as a result of collisions between the ground and the particles carried by the wind.
- Water erosion. It occurs as a result of the collision of raindrops on the ground. The more intense the rain, the greater the detachment and carry-over of soil masses and particles. In addition, the sea also erodes reliefs coastal.
- Erosion by anthropic action. It occurs as a consequence of the presence of human being and its activities (the technology, for example).
- Splash erosion. It occurs on the ground as a result of the impact of raindrops. The impact will vary according to the size and shape of the drops.