Soil and Water Resources

WATER RESOURCES

Water The universal solvent –W–WHY? Dissolves or otherwise changes most other materials

Potable Water Describes drinking water that is free from harmful chemicals

Water Cycle The cycling of water between water sources, the atmosphere, and surface areas of the earth

Precipitation The release of moisture as rain and snow

Evaporation The process of changing from a liquid to a vapor or gas

Watershed A large land area in which water is absorbed from rain or melting snow Acts as a storage system Releases excess water slowly throughout the year

Water Cycle

Water Table The level below which soil is saturated or filled with water

Three types of Groundwater Capillary Free Hydroscopic

Capillary Water Water that is available for plant absorption

Free Water Gravitational Water Water remaining after plant absorption DRAINS OUT OF SOIL

Permeability The rate of movement of water and air through the soil

Saturated When soil spaces or pores are filled with water How does this happen? Heavy rainfall over a period of time 2 or more inches of rain in a short period of time (2-3 hours)

Hydroscopic Water that is held too tightly for plant absorption

Good Practices Save clean water –T–Turn off water when… Proper disposal of household chemicals Care of lawns, gardens and farmland –A–Avoid excessive tilling

SOIL PROPERTIES

Three Horizons A B C

“A” Horizon The first layer of soil in a non- forest soil profile –U–Usually 6 inches Contains most organic matter and is darker in color Most effect on plant growth

“ B” Horizon Subsurface Increase in clay content Greatest influence on urban uses – Building sites – Septic systems

“ C” Horizon Parent material – Bedrock Releases water to upper layers Large particles including gravel and rocks

SOIL CHARACTERISTICS

Three Textures Sand Silt Clay

Sand The largest soil particle SINGLE GRAINED PARTICLE Can see with the naked eye What about plant growth? Cannot hold enough water for good plant growth

Silt Medium soil Particle Cannot be seen

Clay The smallest soil particle Holds the most water May be infertile Associated with “wet” soils

Soil Structure The particles cling together to form soil units Amount of room for air, water and nutrients

Soil Structure Single – Sandy soils Granular – Form round aggregates – Best for plants Blocky – Angular bond – Clay soils

Soil Texture Is influenced by organic matter in the soil Amount of sand, silt and clay in a soil

Pores Spaces between soil particles to permit root penetration and store air, water, and nutrients

SOIL CLASSIFICATION

SCS Land Capability Maps Indicate: Based on the physical, chemical and topographical aspects of the land Roman numerals I – VIII Classified by Soil Scientist

Land Use Map

Class I & II Best class for intense cultivation May be planted year after year FARM LAND

Class VI Land Very steep slopes Most Intensive treatment is planting trees

Class VII Land Best suited for wildlife and recreation

SOIL CONSERVATION

Soil Erosion Sheet and Gully Sheet –S–Slow process –R–Runoff removing soil and pollutants Gully –F–Fast moving erosion –F–Forms gullies

Conventional Tillage Disturbs the soil Plowing, disking or harrowing

No-Till Planting Systems Crops planted directly in residue of previous crops Best ways for farmers to control water runoff and soil erosion

Conservation Tillage Intermediate Tillage Cross of conventional and No Till

Cover Crop A method used to temporarily protect soil from erosion Rye Oats Fescue

Strip Cropping Alternating closely grown crops with row crops to capture runoff water

Controlling Pollution Chemical Runoff Humans can affect water quality by controlling chemical runoff Pollution of Groundwater Could result from failure to properly dispose of household chemicals

Conservation Methods

Soil and Water Resources