Know Soil, Know Life Glossary
This glossary is designed for more advanced explorations of soil science terms and words. The words and definitions are from the SSSA Book Know Soil Know Life.
Not finding a word? Try the advanced Glossary of Soil Science Terms. Too advanced? Check out the Young Scientists glossary for introductory words and definitions.
| Term | Description |
|---|---|
| Reclamation |
A set of activities practiced on disturbed lands such as those disturbed by mining or oil and gas drilling to limit erosion, maintain air and water quality, avoid surface and groundwater contamination, culminating in revegetation with suitable plant species. |
| Redox Concentrations |
Zone where iron oxides have accumulated due to oxidation of reduced iron—high chroma mottles. |
| Redox Depletions |
Zone where iron oxides coatings have been removed due to reduction of iron—low chroma mottles or matrix. |
| Redoximorphic Features |
Features or morphology related to the reduction, oxidation and translocation of carbon, iron, manganese, and sulfur. |
| Redoximorphic |
Morphology related to the reduction, oxidation and translocation of carbon, iron, manganese and sulfur. |
| Reduced Tillage |
A tillage system in which the total number of tillage operations preparatory for seed planting is reduced from that normally used on that particular field or soil. |
| Reduction |
Chemically, the gain of electrons by an element. |
| Residual Materials |
Unconsolidated and partly weathered mineral materials accumulated by disintegration of consolidated rock in place. |
| Residue Management |
The operation and management of crop land to maintain stubble, stalks, and other crop residue on the surface to prevent wind and water erosion, to conserve water, and to decrease evaporation. |
| Respiration |
Metabolism of an organism resulting in release of energy and carbon dioxide. |
| Rhizobia |
General term to identify root-nodule bacteria, such as rhizobium and bradyrhizobium, that are active in biological nitrogen fixation. |
| Rhizosphere |
Zone of soil immediately adjacent to plant roots in which the kinds, numbers, or activities of microorganisms differ from that of the bulk soil. |
| Rill Erosion |
An erosion process on sloping fields in which numerous and randomly occurring small channels of only several centimeters in depth are formed, occurs mainly on recently cultivated soils. |
| Riparian Buffer |
A vegetated area (type of buffer strip) near a stream, usually forested, which helps shade and partially protect a stream from the impact of adjacent land uses. Riparian buffers have become common conservation practices designed to improving water quality and reducing pollution. |
| Riparian Zone |
The above (vegetation) and below ground (soil) area adjacent to a water body typically a stream or river. |
