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Civil Engineering Scope and Uses for society
- 1. MD. WAYZID BUSTANI B.TECH 4th SEMESTER (CIVIL) ROLL NO.:- 28601323005 ST. MARY’S TECHNICAL CAMPUS SUB :- SOIL MECHANICS
- 2. Soil is the mixture of minerals, organic matter, gases, liquids, and the myriad of organisms that together support plant life. It is a natural body that exists as part of the pedosphere and which performs four important functions: it is a medium for plant growth; it is a means of water storage, supply and purification; it is a modifier of the atmosphere; and it is a habitat for organisms that take part in decomposition of organic matter and the creation of a habitat for new organisms.
- 3. Soil Horizons (layers): Soil is made up of distinct horizontal layers; these layers are called horizons. They range from rich, organic upper layers (humus and topsoil) to underlying rocky layers ( subsoil, regolith and bedrock).
- 4. O Horizon - The top, organic layer of soil is dark in colour, made up mostly of leaf litter and humus (decomposed organic matter) that make the soil fertile A Horizon - The layer called topsoil. Seeds germinate and plant roots grow. It is made up of humus (decomposed organic matter) mixed with mineral particles. It is a soft and porous layer. It is a shelter of living organisms like worms and rodents. B Horizon - Also called the subsoil. It contains clay and mineral deposits (like iron, aluminum oxides, and calcium carbonate) that it receives from layers above it when mineralized water drips from the soil above. This layer is hard and compact. Roots of bigger plants extends till this layer
- 5. C Horizon - Also called regolith. It consists of slightly broken-up bedrock (weathered parents rocks with cracks and crevices). Plant roots do not penetrate into this layer; very little organic material is found in this layer. R Horizon - The unweathered rock (bedrock) layer that is the last of all the other layers. This layer is very hard.
- 6. A soil horizon makes up a distinct layer of soil. The soil profile is a vertical section of the soil that depicts all of its horizons. The soil profile extends from the soil surface to the parent rock material. By examining a soil profile, we can gain valuable insight into soil fertility. As the soil weathers and/or organic matter decomposes, the profile of the soil changes.
- 8. Soil has three examples of state: solid soil, soil with air in the pores and soil with water in the pores. Due to the number of different forms of organic and mineral compositions, there are various types of soil that undergoes different environmental pressures.
- 9. Clay Soil Clay is one of the many types of soils that are distinguished as soil in which the particles are packed tightly together with each other with little or no air space. Because of this characteristic, clay is the densest and heaviest type of soil. Defining Factors: Fine particles Smooth when dry Sticky when wet Retains water Drains poorly Less spaces to let air pass Rich in nutrients Cool and dense Ideal for crops like: Leafy vegetables, Peas, Tomatoes, and Peppers
- 10. Silty Soil Silty soil is extremely smooth and since it retains plenty of water, it is fertile. Despite the good characteristics of this kind of soil, it lacks nutrients compared to other types of soils. Silty soil is ideal for agricultural use as the particles in silty soil are miniscule. Defining Factors: Tiny particles Slippery when wet Not grainy or rocky Extremely fertile Retains water Easily transported by wind and water Good for agriculture purposes Easily compacted Ideal for crops like: All vegetables and fruits
- 11. Sandy Soil Sandy soils are one of the worst types of soils to grown any kind of plants in. This is because sandy soil has one of the largest particles and that prevents the soil from retaining water, making it hard for the roots of plants to establish. Defining Factors: Large particles Dry and gritty to touch Easily drains water Less water retention Warm and airy Even when wet, easily crumbles through the fingers Lacks essential nutrients Ideal for crops like: Watermelons, Peanuts, and Peaches Tulips, Cistus, and Hibiscus
- 12. Loamy Soil Loamy soil is one of the perfect types of soil because it is a mix of sand, clay, silt and even some humus. The pH level of loamy soil is 6, with high calcium levels. The specific composition of loamy soil can vary, but with the right balance of additives, it can be made ideal. Defining Factors: Well-drained Fertile Mixture of sand, silt and clay Retains water Retains nutrients Strong granular structure Soft and crumbly Easy to work with Well aerated Ideal for crops like: Tomatoes, Carrots, Parsnips, and Potatoes Roses, Amaryllis, Marigolds, and Zinnias
- 13. Chalky Soil These kinds of soils are found in limestone beds that have chalk deposits that are deep. This is not an ideal soil for growing plants because it can be hard to work with. Chalky soil is alkali and causes yellow and stunted plants. Defining Factors: Lime rich soil Stony Severely dry in summers Poor in nutrients Warms quickly in summers Porous Highly alkaline Free-draining Ideal for plants like: Honeysuckle, Jasminum, Rosa, and Geranium
- 14. Peaty Soil The soil has a lot of organic material and is rich in water, which makes it one of the best types of soils for plants. But the soil needs to be drained first. Because of a high water and nutrient content, peaty soil keeps plants healthy even in dry weather. The acidic water content is good for controlling plant diseases and can be used to balance the pH level of other kinds of soils. Defining Factors: Dark brown in color Soft and spongy to the touch Contains acidic water Rich in organic matter Retains water Stores nutrients Improves soil buffering Well aerated Found in bogs Mixed in soil to improve structure Ideal for plants like: Sphagnum Moss, Ericaceous Shrubs, and Sedges