Soils Geography

2.

Soil Composition and Components

2.1.

The Four-Phase System

2.1.1.

2.1.1.1.

Typical Proportions

2.1.1.2.

Size Distribution

2.1.1.3.

Chemical Composition

2.1.2.

Soil Organic Matter

2.1.2.1.

Percentage by Volume

2.1.2.2.

Variability by Climate

2.1.2.3.

Functional Importance

2.1.3.

2.1.3.1.

Volumetric Content

2.1.3.2.

Seasonal Variation

2.1.3.3.

Plant Availability

2.1.4.

2.1.4.1.

Pore Space Occupation

2.1.4.2.

Gas Composition

2.1.4.3.

Exchange Processes

2.2.

Mineral Components

2.2.1.

Primary Minerals

2.2.1.1.

Quartz Properties

2.2.1.2.

Feldspar Characteristics

2.2.1.3.

Mica Properties

2.2.1.4.

Ferromagnesian Minerals

2.2.1.5.

Weathering Susceptibility

2.2.2.

Secondary Minerals

2.2.2.1.

Clay Mineral Formation

2.2.2.2.

Silicate Clay Types

2.2.2.2.1.

Kaolinite Structure

2.2.2.2.2.

Smectite Structure

2.2.2.2.3.

Illite Structure

2.2.2.2.4.

Vermiculite Structure

2.2.2.3.

Iron and Aluminum Oxides

2.2.2.3.1.

Goethite Formation

2.2.2.3.2.

Hematite Properties

2.2.2.3.3.

Gibbsite Occurrence

2.2.2.4.

Carbonate Minerals

2.2.2.4.1.

Calcite Precipitation

2.2.2.4.2.

Dolomite Formation

2.3.

Soil Organic Matter Components

2.3.1.

2.3.1.1.

2.3.1.2.

Microbial Biomass

2.3.1.3.

2.3.2.

Fresh Organic Matter

2.3.2.1.

2.3.2.2.

2.3.2.3.

Microbial Residues

2.3.3.

Decomposing Organic Matter

2.3.3.1.

Partially Decomposed Materials

2.3.3.2.

Intermediate Products

2.3.4.

2.3.4.1.

2.3.4.2.

2.3.4.3.

2.3.4.4.

Stability and Turnover

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1. Introduction to Soils Geography

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3. Physical Properties of Soil