Soil Chemistry: Test Your Understanding
Teacher's Guide
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What are the main chemical processes that can alter the chemical elements in soil?
The main chemical processes include hydrolysis, complexation, oxidation-reduction, ion exchange,
hydration, and flocculation-dispersion.
What is the difference between mineral soils and organic soils?
Organic soils contain higher levels of organic carbon than mineral soils, which contain less than
12 to 20 percent organic carbon.
Critical Thinking: Briefly describe the link between soil chemistry and plant nutrient accumulation.
Also explain why it is important for animal health to maintain adequate levels of soil nutrients.
The chemicals found in soil impact plant growth as well as the accumulation of nutrients in plants over
time. Maintaining proper nutrient levels supports appropriate plant growth but is also important for the
health of the animals that graze on the plants. Deficiencies in certain nutrients, such as magnesium, will
not only impact plant growth but can also cause health problems to the grazing animals.
