Soil formation is a process that takes thousands of years and is influenced by many factors - Leaving Cert Agricultural Science - Question 12 - 2022
Question 12
Soil formation is a process that takes thousands of years and is influenced by many factors.
(a) Describe how any three of the following factors are involved in soi... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:Soil formation is a process that takes thousands of years and is influenced by many factors - Leaving Cert Agricultural Science - Question 12 - 2022
Step 1
Factor 1: Parent material
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Answer
Soil is formed by the weathering of parent rock material. The mineral composition and texture of the rock determine the soil's properties. For example, coarse-textured rocks lead to looser, more permeable soil, while fine-textured rocks can retain more moisture.
Step 2
Factor 2: Climate
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Answer
Climate affects soil formation through temperature and precipitation. High temperatures can enhance the rate of weathering, while rainfall contributes to leaching, which can remove nutrients from the soil, impacting its fertility.
Step 3
Factor 3: Organisms
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Living organisms, such as plants and animals, play a significant role in soil formation. For example, the decay of organic material from plants contributes to humus, which enriches the soil and enhances its nutrient content.
Step 4
Fertility
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Answer
Brown Earth: Higher
Podzol: Lower
Step 5
Humus content
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Answer
Brown Earth: Higher
Podzol: Lower
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