TASK: PRACTICAL PERORT 1

MODULE: AGS222

DUE DATE: 22 SEPTEMBER 2023

GROUP 5 MEMBERS

SURNAME NAME STUDENT NUMBER

MBODLA ARON 202112440
BAARTMAN LINDOKUHLE KONKE 202244989
KENYANE HLOMLA 202246006
SIZIMANE YONELA 202220870
MOHLABYA KGOPOTSO PARIS 202244784
DWANGUBE KAMVA 202236517
MPHOMELA TLOTITSO 202101291
SIYONGWANA ESETHU 202101254
GAWULA NGAZIBINI 202200597
MCWILIKAZI YAMKELA 202121747
VOKWANA SIVIWE 202249880
OLIFANT SIKHO 202234193
NDZENDEVU AWODWA 202209012
NIMO-BOAMPONG MPHO GIFTY 202249393
MHAMBI SINDISIWE THANDEKA 202246542
SILINGO GIFT ANELISIWE 202230853
MGULUGULU BANELE 202202268
SILINGA ABONGILE 202240688
JACK KWAKHANYA 202249876
KETANI SINALO 202223646
TITLE: Soil formation

AIM: To see factors that influence soil profile and soil formation at the field next to Stofile’s
flats

INTODUCTION

In this practical field observation, we have examined the soil horizons and documented their
characteristics in a specific area. By making careful observations, we have identified the
different horizons present, described their properties, and explored possible soil forming
processes and soil classes in the area.

Soil horizons are distinct layers of soil that form as a result of various soil processes over
time. They are approximately parallel to the surface of the soil and distinguishable from
adjacent layers by a distinctive set of properties and characteristics. A soil profile is a vertical
section of the soil that shows all its constituent horizons. The soil profile extends from the
soil surface to the parent rock material. There are five master horizons in the soil profile
represented by the letters O, A, E, B, and C. Not all soil profiles contain all five horizons, and
so, soil profiles differ from one location to another.

Soil formation is a complex process that can be influenced by several factors such as climate,
parent material, topography, and time.

OBSERVED HORIZONES AND THEIR DESCRIPTION

We observed different horizons which are horizon O, A and B, below are their description:

The O horizon is the topmost layer, also known as the organic horizon. It consists of
decomposed organic matter such as leaves, twigs, and plant remaining. It contributes to soil
fertility by providing nutrients to plants.

The A horizon is the next layer, known as the topsoil. It consists of a mixture of mineral
particles, organic matter, and microorganisms. This layer is crucial for plant growth as it
provides essential nutrients and holds water for plant uptake.

The B horizon is located below the A horizon and is called the subsoil. It contains less
organic matter and is composed of minerals that have been leached down from the upper
layers. This layer often has a higher clay content and can be harder and more compacted than
the topsoil. The B horizon, although less fertile, still plays a role in plant growth by providing
a medium for root development and water storage.

Figure 1

IDENTIFIED DESCRIPTIVE PROPERTIES OF THE SOIL

Soil texture- refers to the size of the particles that make up the soil and depends on the
proportion of sand, silt and clay-sized particles and organic matter in the soil. Sandy soils feel
gritty when rubbed between your fingers.

Soil structure- describes the way the sand, silt and clay particles are clumped together.
Organic matter (decaying plants and animals) and soil organisms like earthworms and
bacteria influence soil structure. Clays, organic matter and materials excreted by soil
organisms bind the soil particles together to form aggregates. Soil structure is important for
plant growth, regulating the movement of air and water, influencing root development and
affecting nutrient availability.

Soil porosity- refers to the pores within the soil. Porosity influences the movement of air and
water. Healthy soils have many pores between and within the aggregates. Poor quality soils
have few visible pores, cracks or holes. The way in which a soil is managed can affect its
porosity.
Soil chemistry-Clays and organic matter in the soil carry negative charges. Water in the soil
dissolves nutrients and other chemicals. Nutrients like potassium and ammonium have
positive charges. They are attracted to the negatively charged organic and mineral matter, and
this prevents them from being lost through leaching as water moves through the soil. Nitrate
has a negative charge, so it is not protected from leaching in most soils.

Soil colour-If you thought that all soils are brown, think again. Soil colours range from black
to red to white. Sometimes it can even be blue! Soil colour mostly comes from organic matter
and iron. Topsoil is often dark because of organic matter. An even, single colour indicates the
soil is well drained.

Organic matter content- This property indicates the amount of decomposed plant and animal
material in the soil. It affects soil fertility, nutrient holding capacity, and water-holding
capacity.

pH level: Soil pH measures the acidity or alkalinity of the soil. It can range from acidic
(pH<7), neutral (pH=7), to alkaline (pH>7). Different plants thrive in different pH ranges.

Moisture content: Soil moisture content determines the availability of water for plants. It can
range from dry to moist and affects plant growth and nutrient availability.

Porosity: Soil porosity refers to the presence of interconnected spaces (pores) within the soil.
It affects water infiltration, aeration, and root development.

Compaction: Soil compaction refers to the degree of packing of soil particles. Compacted
soil has reduced pore space and can hinder root penetration and water movement.

Drainage: Soil drainage refers to how easily water moves through the soil profile. It can be
well-drained, moderately drained, or poorly drained, affecting plant growth.

IDENTIFIABLE SOIL FORMING PROCESS WHICH COULD BE RESPONSIBLE FOR

SOIL FORMATION IN THE AREA

The identifiable soil forming processes responsible for soil formation in a specific area, it's
important to consider the local climate, parent material, topography, organisms, and time
factors. Based on these factors, one or more of the following soil forming processes could be
responsible for soil formation in the area:
1. Weathering: Weathering is the breakdown of rocks and minerals into smaller particles by
physical, chemical, and biological processes. Physical weathering involves the physical
disintegration of rocks through actions like freeze-thaw cycles, abrasion by wind or water,
and root growth. Chemical weathering involves the chemical alteration of minerals through
processes such as oxidation, hydrolysis, and carbonation. Weathering contributes to the
formation of parent material, the starting point of soil formation.

2. Erosion and Deposition: Erosion refers to the removal of soil particles by wind, water, ice,
or gravity. Eroded materials are transported and deposited in other locations, forming new
soil layers. Erosion and deposition processes redistribute soil materials, influencing the
composition and characteristics of soils in different areas.

3. Organic Matter Accumulation: Organic matter plays a crucial role in soil formation. The
accumulation of plant and animal residues, including dead leaves, roots, and decomposed
organic material (humus), contributes to the development of fertile topsoil. Organic matter
enhances soil structure, water-holding capacity, nutrient availability, and microbial activity.

4. Leaching: Leaching refers to the downward movement of water-soluble components, such

as minerals and nutrients, through the soil profile. It is influenced by factors like climate,
precipitation, vegetation, and soil properties. Leaching can lead to the removal of certain
elements from the soil, affecting its composition and fertility.

5. Biological Activity: Soil organisms, including bacteria, fungi, earthworms, and other
microorganisms, play a vital role in soil formation. They break down organic matter, release
nutrients, create pore spaces, and influence soil structure. For example, earthworms facilitate
the mixing of organic matter with mineral soil, enhancing soil fertility and aeration.

6. Pedogenesis: Pedogenesis refers to the overall process of soil formation and development.
It involves the interplay of the above processes over long periods of time, ranging from
hundreds to thousands of years. Factors such as climate, parent material' soils found in
different regions.

POSSIBLE SOIL CLASS OF THE AREA

Sandy soil- Sandy soil is formed from weathered rock fragments, is a poor soil for plant
growth due to low nutrients and water holding capacity, but beneficial for drainage systems.
Silt Soil-Silt, which is known to have much smaller particles compared to sandy soil and is
made up of rock and other mineral particles, which are smaller than sand and larger than clay.
It is the smooth and fine quality of the soil that holds water better than sand. Silt is easily
transported by moving currents and it is mainly found near the river, lakes and other water
bodies.

Clay Soil- Clay is the smallest soil particle, tightly packed with minimal airspace. It has good
water storage qualities and is sticky when wet but smooth when dried. It is the densest and
heaviest type, making it difficult for moisture and air to penetrate. However, it does not drain
well or support plant roots.

Soil crusting

Soil crusting most often occurs when rain separates the soil into very small aggregates and
individual particles that cement into hard layers at the soil surface when drying occurs
rapidly. And with the heat and wind so far this spring, rapid drying is a possibility.

Figure 2:

Soil crusting is a phenomenon that occurs when the surface of the soil becomes compacted
and forms a hard crust.
In the practical field we observed that there is soil crusting which occurs when rain separates
the soil into very small aggregates and individual particles that cement into hard layers at the
soil surface when drying occurs rapidly. When the soil crusts, it becomes difficult for water to
penetrate the soil, which can lead to poor water infiltration and drainage. And to prevent soil
crusting and mitigate its effects, farmers can employ various techniques.
To prevent soil crusting and mitigate its effects, farmers can employ various techniques. One
approach is to use conservation tillage methods that minimize soil disturbance and maintain
organic matter on the soil surface, which can help prevent the formation of a hard crust.
Additionally, farmers can consider implementing soil erosion control measures such as
contour ploughing or terracing to reduce water runoff and erosion.

Soil crusting can have significant effects on agricultural productivity. When the soil crusts, it
becomes difficult for water to penetrate the soil, which can lead to poor water infiltration and
drainage. This can result in water runoff and erosion, reducing the amount of water available
for plants and increasing the risk of nutrient loss. The hard crust can also make it challenging
for seedlings to emerge from the soil, hindering seed germination and plant growth.

CONCLUSION

In a nutshell, the soil sample taken from the specific area showed three distinct horizons that
indicated the soil forming processes responsible for its formation. Additionally, the soil
properties observed were indicative of an Alfisol, which is a type of mineral soil.
Understanding the characteristics of soil and the processes involved in its formation is critical
in optimizing agricultural productivity and making informed land use decisions. This report
describes the soil horizons, physical and chemical processes, and possible soil classification
in an area. Three horizons were identified, and the soil had high organic matter content, high
CEC, and a slightly acidic pH. Soil-forming processes were identified as biological activity
and weathering. The soil exhibited properties of the Alfisols soil class, indicating moderate to
high clay content. Understanding the soil properties and processes is important for
developing sustainable soil management practices in the area.

It is known that soil horizons are distinct layers of soil that form as a result of various soil
processes over time. They are approximately parallel to the surface of the soil and
distinguishable from adjacent layers by a distinctive set of properties and characteristics.