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 |
|---|---|
| Structureless |
No observable aggregation or no definite and orderly arrangement of natural lines of weakness. Massive, if coherent; single-grain, if noncoherent. |
| Surface Creep |
(i) The rolling of dislodged soil particles 0.5 to 1.0 mm in diameter by wind along the soil surface. (ii) The slow movement of soil and rock debris which is usually not perceptible except through extended observation. |
| Suspension |
The containment or support in fluid media (usually air or water) of soil particles or aggregates, allowing their transport in the fluid when it is flowing. In fluids at rest, suspension follows Stoke’s Law. In wind this usually refers to particles or aggregates ?0.1 mm diameter through the air, usually at a height of ?15 cm above the soil surface, for relatively long distances. |
| Sustainability |
Managing soil and crop cultural practices so as not to degrade or impair environmental quality on or off site, and without eventually reducing yield potential as a result of the chosen practice through exhaustion of either on-site resources or non-renewable inputs. |
| Symbiotic Association |
Relation between two different organisms where the activity of one affects the other. Three types exist: i. Parasitism—one benefits, other is harmed (ticks), ii. Mutualism—both benefit (i.e., Mycorrhizea), iii. Commensalisms—one benefits other unaffected |
| Taiga |
A biome characterized by coniferous forests consisting mostly of pines, spruces, and larches. |
| Termitaria |
Termite mounds. |
| Terrace |
(i) A step-like surface, bordering a stream or shoreline, that represents the former position of a flood plain, lake, or sea shore; (ii) A raised, generally horizontal strip of earth and/or rock constructed along a hill on or nearly on a contour to make land suitable for tillage and to prevent accelerated erosion; (iii) An earth embankment constructed across a slope for conducting water from above at a regulated flow to prevent accelerated erosion and to conserve water. |
| Texture |
The relative proportions of the various soil size separates in a soil. |
| Thermalism |
The therapeutic use of hot-water springs. |
| Thermic |
average annual soil temperature is higher than mesic, sometimes referred to as the cotton belt |
| Topsoil |
(i) The layer of soil moved in cultivation. Frequently designated as the Ap layer or Ap horizon. See also surface soil. (ii) Presumably fertile soil material used to topdress roadbanks, gardens, and lawns. |
| Transformations |
The process of chemical, physical or biological change of soil materials – when a component turns into a different component, such as through decomposition and/or weathering. |
| Translocations |
The process of movement of soil materials within the soil—movement from one location in the soil to another (eluviation, illuviation). |
| transported materials |
Parent materials that have been moved and deposit some distance from their point of origin. |
