Soil Chemistry

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A study of the formation, properties, and functions of soil, as well as the interaction of soil with other components of the environment. It also covers techniques used to prevent or remediate soil pollution and degradation.

Soil properties: This topic discusses the general physical, chemical, and biological characteristics of soils.
Soil composition: This topic covers the various inorganic and organic constituents or components that are present in soil, including minerals, organic matter, and gases.
Soil acidity and alkalinity: This topic discusses the measurement of the pH levels of soil and how it can affect soil chemistry and plant growth.
Soil organic matter: This topic covers the various organic compounds and substances found in soil and their role in soil fertility and agriculture.
Soil nutrients: This topic discusses the essential elements and minerals required for plant growth and how they are obtained by plants from the soil.
Soil contamination and remediation: This topic covers the different types of contaminants present in soil and the methods used to remediate or clean up contaminated sites.
Soil microbiology: This topic covers the microorganisms that inhabit soil and the different ways they contribute to soil fertility, plant growth, and soil chemistry.
Soil water chemistry: This topic covers the chemical properties and qualities of water in soil, including its role in plant growth, nutrient availability, and soil structure.
Soil ecology: This topic discusses the interactions between soil organisms, plant growth, and soil chemistry, including the impact of human activities on soil ecosystems.
Soil physics: This topic covers the physical properties of soil, such as soil texture, structure, and porosity, and the relationships between these properties and soil chemistry.
pH: The pH of the soil is the degree of acidity or alkalinity of the soil, which affects plant growth by regulating nutrient availability.
Cation Exchange Capacity (CEC): This measures the soil's ability to hold onto positively charged ions, which can help in nutrient retention.
Organic matter: Soil organic matter is the decomposition of plant and animal material in the soil, which provides nutrients to plants and helps to retain moisture.
Nutrient availability: Soil chemistry can affect nutrient availability for plants, including nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium.
Trace elements: Trace elements in soil include micronutrients such as boron, copper, iron, manganese, and zinc. These elements can help regulate plant growth.
Soil structure: Soil structure is the way soil particles clump together, which can affect soil pH, nutrient availability, and water-holding capacity.
Redox potential: Redox potential is the measure of the soil's ability to reduce or oxidize, which can influence soil nutrient availability and microbial activity.
Toxicity: Soil chemistry can also affect the toxicity of soil contaminants, such as heavy metals or pesticides, which can have harmful effects on plant and animal health.
"Soil chemistry is the study of the chemical characteristics of soil."
"Soil chemistry is affected by mineral composition, organic matter, and environmental factors."
"In the early 1870s, a consulting chemist to the Royal Agricultural Society in England, named J. Thomas Way, performed many experiments on how soils exchange ions, and is considered the father of soil chemistry."
"Other scientists who contributed to this branch of ecology include Edmund Ruffin and Linus Pauling."
"J. Thomas Way performed many experiments on how soils exchange ions."
"J. Thomas Way was a consulting chemist to the Royal Agricultural Society in England."
"Soil chemistry is affected by... environmental factors."
"Soil chemistry is affected by mineral composition..."
"Soil chemistry is affected by... organic matter..."
"J. Thomas Way's experiments... is considered the father of soil chemistry."
"Other scientists who contributed to this branch of ecology include Edmund Ruffin..."
"Other scientists who contributed to this branch of ecology include... Linus Pauling."
"In the early 1870s, a consulting chemist... performed many experiments on how soils exchange ions..."
"...how soils exchange ions."
"...a consulting chemist to the Royal Agricultural Society in England..."
"Other scientists who contributed to this branch of ecology include Edmund Ruffin..."
"Other scientists who contributed to this branch of ecology include... Linus Pauling."
"Soil chemistry is the study of the chemical characteristics of soil."
"Soil chemistry is the study of the chemical characteristics of soil... contributed to this branch of ecology..."
"In the early 1870s, a consulting chemist... performed many experiments on how soils exchange ions..."