Chapter 3 Nutrient Cycles and Soils

Reading Guide: 15^th edition

Identify the following. Be as specific as possible, and include names, dates, and relevant facts as appropriate. Be sure to explain the significance of the term. Please use your own words.

3.6 Soil: A Renewable Resource

Soil

Soil horizons: A, B, C, D, E

Humus

Figure 5-13

Soil leaching

Soil development

Clay

Silt

Sand

Loam

Permeability

Figure 5-17

Soil Acidity and Plant Growth

3.7 Matter Cycling in Ecosystems

Nutrient Cycle/Biogeochemical Cycle

I. The Hydrologic or Water Cycle

Importance of the Water Cycle

What Powers the Water Cycle?

Evaporation vs Transpiration

Condensation, Precipitation and Infiltration

Percolation vs Runoff

Humidity

Runoff and Erosion

Human Interference in the Water Cycle

II. The Carbon Cycle

Importance of Carbon

Describe the movement of carbon in terrestrial and aquatic biomes

Sources of Carbon

Sinks/Storage of Carbon

Human Interference in Carbon Cycle

III. The Nitrogen Cycle

Importance of Nitrogen

Nitrogen fixations

Nitrification

Assimilation

Ammonification

Denitrification

Human Interference in Nitrogen Cycle

IV. The Phosphorus Cycle

Importance of Phosphorus

Sources of Phosphorus

Sinks/Storage of Phosphorus

Human Interference in Phosphorus Cycle

V. The Sulfur Cycle

Importance of Sulfur

Sources of Sulfur

Sinks/Storage of Sulfur

Human Interference in Sulfur Cycle

VI. The Gaia Hypothesis

Describe