List at least 5 Soil Functions.
What is the "Pedosphere"?
The "Pedosphere" is the top most part of the lithosphere. It is in touch and in exchange with the Atmosphere (Earth's Atmosphere), the Hydrosphere (soil solution, groundwater, surface waters), the Biosphere (plants, animals, microorganisms) and the Lithosphere (rocky crust of the earth).
Soils are regulatory systems. What are they're regulatory functions? They act as...
What are threats to soils? Explain by listing four threats and elaborate on each.
Land consumption: Mostly by urbanisation (space for housing, parking, leisure activities). It effects the infiltration capability which results in sealing and therefore poses an increased flood risk.
Soil compaction: Mostly through heavy machinerey in intensively cultivated areas. It results in a reduced groundwater recharge (reduced infiltration capability through compaction/ compression), an increased flood risk as well as the release of toxic gases (e.g. greenhouse gases).
Soil erosion: Caused by inappropriate soil management (e.g. compaction, fully removing vegetation, animal farming). This results in economic damage, water eutrophication and infrastructural damage.
Soil pollution: Many types of pollution affect soils.
Pollutants are either inorganic, organic or radioactive.
Important Topic Summarizing Question
Which factors have to apply for soils to fulfill their ecological and ecnomical functions?
Important Topic Summarizing Question
Regarding the soil functions, what must be taken into account and be respected by mankind?
► Only an intact soil structure guarantess the functioning of soils.
What is the soil composed of? List the three soil phases as well as their percentage of occurence.