Soil and soil-forming factors

Soil - a loose surface layer of the earth's crust having fertility. The soil is constantly changing under the influence of climate, biological factors and human activities. Soil differs highest density of life and most geochemical energy of living matter. Associated with soil formation processes of biomass and biological productivity, the exchange of matter and energy, the accumulation of organic matter, etc.

The formation of soil is determined by a number of geological, geochemical, biological processes all Geospheres. The main soil-forming factors are parent rocks, plants and animals, climate, terrain, water and economic activities.

Soil-forming rocks - is a substrate on which the soil formed. It consists of mineral components. Mineral material is 80... 90% by weight of the soil. The nature of parent rocks depend on the physical properties of soil mineralogical and chemical composition.

Plant and animal organisms. As a result of their activity soil organic compounds are formed. The largest number of organic substances give forest communities, especially in the humid tropics. The main function of the living organisms in the soil - conversion of organic matter. Thus formed the soil profile, humus content, soil structure. The microorganisms decompose the organic complex and minerals to simpler.

Climate. As it is linked thermal and water regime of soil, on which depend the biological and physico-chemical soil processes. Climatic conditions have an indirect effect on other soil-forming factors.

Relief - a factor in the distribution of the Earth's surface heat and water. With relief associated zonation of soil cover in the mountains. Features of the relief determine the nature of the effect on the soil ground, melt and rain water, the migration of water-soluble substances.

Economic activity also affects the processes of soil formation and soil properties.

The main quality of the soil - fertility, which is determined by the ability to satisfy the need of humans and other living organisms, nutrients, water and air.

Kazakhstan has large land resources. As a result of the development of virgin and fallow lands in the years 1953-1956 the area of ​ ​ arable land has increased in 2 times, and per resident of the republic accounted for 2 hectares. However, plowing new land and the removal of the military about 19 million. Ha led to a reduction in the area of ​ ​ meadows and pastures, and a negative impact on the development of sheep breeding and horse breeding.

Although Kazakhstan is provided parkland, the climatic conditions for the cultivation of crops and soil fertility is poor. Natural black earth lands are located in a narrow strip in the northern and north-western part of the country, where the temperature and precipitation conditions allow growing stable yields. Eastern and central parts of the often repeated dry years are considered to be a zone of risky agriculture. The southern part of the republic is situated in semi-desert and desert areas, and agriculture is only possible irrigated.

PRACTICAL EXERCISES № 15

International cooperation in the field of environmental protection (EP)

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