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Soil (i) What name is given to the process where nutrients are washed down through soil? (ii) Name any two Irish soil types - Junior Cycle Geography - Question 3A - 2017
Question 3A
Soil (i) What name is given to the process where nutrients are washed down through soil? (ii) Name any two Irish soil types. (iii) Describe and explain the format... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:Soil (i) What name is given to the process where nutrients are washed down through soil? (ii) Name any two Irish soil types - Junior Cycle Geography - Question 3A - 2017
Step 1
What name is given to the process where nutrients are washed down through soil?
Answer
The process where nutrients are washed down through soil is called leaching. This process occurs when water moves through the soil, carrying away dissolved nutrients from the upper soil layers to lower layers or even deeper into the ground.
Step 2
Step 3
Describe and explain the formation of any one of the soil types named by you in part (ii) above.
Answer
Let's focus on Brown Earth soils.
Description: Brown Earth soils are typically fertile and found in areas with adequate rainfall and moderate temperatures. They have a rich, dark topsoil layer that is high in organic matter, which is beneficial for plant growth.
Formation: These soils form primarily under temperate deciduous forests. The process begins with the decomposition of leaf litter and organic materials, which enrich the topsoil with nutrients. Over time, the soil structure develops from the action of earthworms and microbial life, leading to a crumbly texture that enhances aeration and drainage.
Development: Additionally, the presence of moderate rainfall facilitates mineral weathering, which contributes to the soil's fertility. The cyclical nature of organic matter input and mineral weathering creates a dynamic ecosystem within the Brown Earth soil profile.