What is Depth of Soil? The thickness of soil layers which have
favorable permeability What is permeability? The downward movement
of water in soil. http://techalive.mtu.edu /meec/module06/Percol
ation.html http://techalive.mtu.edu /meec/module06/Percol
ation.html
Slide 3
What to look for to Determine Depth of Soil What grows in soil?
For agriculture root growth and is important for plant growth. Why
is it important Plant strength, water & nutrient ability
Slide 4
Root Restrictive Layer A.Rock layers of jointed or solid rock
is unfavorable for root growth. B. Fragipan compacted, hard &
brittle when dry(irregular patterns of yellowish browns) C. Coarse
sand or gravel limits moisture holding ability not enought for
roots. D. Dense Glacial Till tightly bounded & compacted soil
usually massive
Slide 5
Deep Soils Roots deeper than 40 is considered deep soils
Anything above 40 is considered to have a root restrictive
layer
Slide 6
Slide 7
Plants roots require a favorable balance of air and water for
optimal growth. Infiltration The process of water soaking into the
soil (topsoil) Saturation Is when the pore space in the soil are
filled up with water and there is no more to grow What happens to
the plants?
Slide 8
Field Capacity Field Capacity When all the pore spaces in the
soil capable of hold H20 against the pull of gravity are completely
filled. Wilting Point Only thing is available is hydroscopic H20
& plants begin to wilt (long dry spells)
Slide 9
Found in subsoil Look at subsoil color when moist. Subsoil
color Uniform browns or reddish brown to 40 or deeper is good air
& H20 movement.
Slide 10
A mixture of light to dark grays or irregular patterns of
colors This represents Drainage problems So how can we improve air
and H20 movement in the soil? Install 1. Tile 2. Surface drainage
(ditches, grass waterways or diversion channels)
Slide 11
Gravitational Water Is water draining down the soil through the
poor space Capillary Water Water held between soil particles
against the force of gravity. (dries out travels upward)
Hydroscopic Water H20 that forms a thin film around individual soil
particles. (even in the driest soils)
Slide 12
WHAT ARE THE 5 FACTORS OF DETERMINING SOIL USAGE? 1. Slope II.
Erosion Depth of Top Soil III. Soil Texture IV. Depth of Soil V.
Natural Drainage Class
Slide 13
LAND CAPABILITY CLASSES This is the overall rating of the soil
usage and its difficulty to overcome/ Note: Always check the most
severe
Slide 14
CONSERVATION PRACTICES Used to determine which best
conservation practices should be used on this land. It can vary
from land to land What is conservation practices? Practices are
which help protect, preserve & improve soil.