2. Soil and Water Resources 10.06.03

3. WATER RESOURCES

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

6. Potable Water Describes drinking water that is free from harmful chemicals

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

8. Precipitation The release of moisture as rain and snow

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

10. 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

11. Water Cycle

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

14. Three types of Groundwater Capillary Free Hydroscopic

15. Capillary Water Water that is available for plant absorption

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

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

18. 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)

19. Hydroscopic Water that is held too tightly for plant absorption

21. 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

22. SOIL PROPERTIES

23. Three Horizons A B C

24. “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

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

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

27. SOIL CHARACTERISTICS

28. Three Textures Sand Silt Clay

29. 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

30. Silt Medium soil Particle Cannot be seen

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

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

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

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

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

38. SOIL CLASSIFICATION

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

40. Land Use Map

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

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

43. Class VII Land Best suited for wildlife and recreation

44. SOIL CONSERVATION

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

46. Conventional Tillage Disturbs the soil Plowing, disking or harrowing

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

54. Conservation Tillage Intermediate Tillage Cross of conventional and No Till

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

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

57. 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

58. Conservation Methods

59. Soil and Water Resources 10.06.03