SOIL
The word
"soil" is used to
describe that portion of the
earth's crust (surface) that can
be separated into individual
particles. Soils consist of solid
particles of weathered rock and
reflect the chemical and physical
properties of the parent
material. In some instances, the
properties of soil are further
modified when they are exposed
to:
Weather
Temperature
Biological
activity
Moisture
If the soils
located in a particular place
resemble the parent material,
they are referred to as residual
soil. For most of areas of the
Canadian Shield however, the
soils encountered are considered
transported soils. The most
common cause of transported soil
is the ice age, but wind and
water also redistribute soil as
do modern development practices
of man.
Aside from
forming the basis of modern
infrastructure (roads, fields,
etc), soil serves many useful
purposes. The nutrient
capabilities of soil allow the
harvesting of crops and
vegetables. The biological
activity of soil contributes to
treatment and purification of
contaminants. For more
information on these properties,
please see the Nutrient
Management Page or the Sewage
Systems Page.
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