An Introduction to the Understanding of Soil

There are many different types of soil that are distinguished by different characteristics.

One way to characterized soil is by determining the percent of clay, silt, and sand within a sample of soil. These percerntages always add up to one hundred and can determine the general type of soil in the sample. This is found by using a soil texture diagram. Below is an example of this diagram.

Another way to identify the type of soil in a sample is to use the Munsell SOil Color chart. This chart uses three characteristics to determine the type of soil: hue, lightness, and color purity. This chart is best used as a tree dimensional representation or as a flip book. Below are two examples.

Soil comes in many different types. The most prominent twelve categories are called the 12 Soil Orders.  The following link leads to more information about each soil order and below is a picture of each.  http://www.soils.usda.gov/technical/soil_order

Georgia contains many different types of soil based on the area. The most well know type of soil in Georgia is red clay and is a result of  the decomposition of organic and inrganic materials in the soil.The red color comes from long-term weathering that leaves behind iron oxide.

Geology Fun!

Igneous rocks are rocks that are formed from the cooling of underground magma or above ground lava. There are many different forms of igneous rocks and below is an example of a few.

Granite

Pumice

Columnar Basalt 

 

Metamorphic rocks are rocks that started out as igneous or sedimentary and were transformed into another type of rock. This transformation is caused by massive amounts of pressure and heat. Some examples of metamorphic rocks are shown below.

Gneiss

Marble - Formed from Limestone

 

Sedimentary rocks are formed when sediment deposits accumulate and are pressed into rock formations. Sedimentary rocks can be formed out of any type of rock that has been eroded. Some examples of sedimentary rocks are shown below.

Limestone

Sandstone

 

There are many different naturally occurring minerals in the world. These include quartz, fieldstone, hornblende, pyrite, halite, calcite, and mica. Quartz is a particularly beautiful mineral. Its chemical formula is SiO2. Quartz or silica dioxide is commonly found all over the world. It is one of the most abundant minerals.  Here is a picture of quartz.

Trees, Flowers, and Shrubs...oh my!

There are many different types of trees, shrubs, and flowers all over the world. Here are examples of three of each. Attached are links to more information.

Trees

• Pecan Tree- The pecan tree is scientifically named Carya Illinoinensis.

Ø  http://www.pecanbiz.com/information.html

 

• Willow Oak Tree – The willow oak tree is scientifically named the quercus phellos.

Ø  http://www.fcps.edu/islandcreekes/ecology/willow_oak.htm

 

• Bradford Pear Tree – The Bradford Pear tree is scientiffically named Pyrus calleryana.

Ø  http://www.oplin.lib.oh.us/tree/fact%20pages/pear_bradford/pear_bradford.html

 

Shrubs

·         Sago Palm – The sago palm is scientifically named cycas revolute.

Ø  http://www.junglemusic.net/cycadadvice/cycads-sago-palm.htm

 

·         Virginia Sweetspire – The Virginia Sweetspire is scientifically named itea virginica.

Ø  http://www.duke.edu/~cwcook/trees/itvi.html

 

·         Periwinkle bush – The Periwinkle bush is scientifically named vinca and blooms.

Ø  http://www.bahamasgroup.com/xtra/herbs.htm

 

Flowers

·         Snapdragons – Snapdragons are scientifically named antirrhinums.

Ø  http://urbanext.illinois.edu/firstgarden/planning/dictionary/flowers/snapdragons.cfm

 

·         Angel’s Trumpet – An angel’s trumpet is scientifically named brugmansia.

Ø  http://www.bhg.com/gardening/plant-dictionary/annual/angels-trumpet/

 

 

·         Orchid – Orchids are scientifically named Orchidaceae. Orchids are my favorite flower. Below is a picture of a Cattleya Orchid.

Ø  http://faculty.ucc.edu/biology-ombrello/pow/Oncidium_Orchids.htm