Soil remediation is the process of purifying and revitalizing soil as part of environmental remediation efforts. Many countries, including the UK, Australia, Canada, and the US, are engaged in land reclamation. Methods include excavation, dredging, pump and treat, and new technologies. Remediation restores ecological balance and supports efforts to clean air and water. Soil remediation […]
Soil pipes are used to remove solid waste from toilets and are larger in diameter than regular sewage pipes. They require specific fittings and routing constraints to prevent blockages and flooding. Proper installation is critical for health and safety. A soil pipe is a PVC or cast iron pipe used in plumbing to remove dirty […]
A soil pile connects indoor plumbing to the sewer and vents gases out of a building. Wastewater flows through a pipe to a centrally located soil pile, where solids and liquids travel down and gases travel up. The top end of the soil pile is usually an open tube that vents gases into the atmosphere. […]
Soil stabilizers improve soil strength and resistance to water, reducing the need for additional support during construction. Ancient Roman stabilizers failed, but modern ones are quick and inexpensive. Additives like cement and lime are used, and stabilizers are injected into the soil through pumps or pre-drilled holes. Inflatable packers plug the holes, creating a network […]
The Whigs and Democrats did not support the abolition of slavery in the 1840s. The Free Soil Party was formed in 1848, pledging to ban new slave states. The Wilmot Proviso was proposed but not approved. The Free Soil Party won 16 seats in Congress and had success in state and local elections. The party […]
Soil cement is a low-cost foundation made by mixing Portland cement, water, and soil aggregate. It’s suitable for road construction and can be made from various types of granular materials. The process involves mixing the materials on-site or at a mixing plant, compacting them, and applying a bituminous material for hardening and strengthening. Soil cement […]
Ground nailing is a technique used to reinforce soil in various settings. Steel bars are inserted and grouted into pre-drilled holes to stabilize the soil. It can be done in confined spaces and navigate tight angles, but requires evaluation by an engineer and should be done by experienced contractors. Ground nailing is a technique used […]
To become a soil conservationist, one needs an interest in environmental science, a degree in soil conservation or related fields, and a willingness to work outdoors. Most conservationists work for the government, and a degree in environmental science is the best option. The job involves analyzing soil and water, troubleshooting erosion, and preventing contamination. It […]
Soil analysis measures soil nutrients to evaluate fertility and increase crop yield. Samples are sent to labs, and accuracy depends on quality of samples. Results vary by harvest time and soil history. Reports include nutrient percentages, pH, and fertilizer recommendations. A soil analysis is a comprehensive test that measures the level of nutrients in the […]
Soil taxonomy is the classification and naming of soils based on composition, location, and climate. The USDA system organizes soils into orders, suborders, large groups, subgroups, families, and series. Taxonomy allows for accurate communication and understanding of soil conditions, and is used extensively by soil scientists for various purposes. Soil taxonomy is the practice of […]
Lunar soil is dry and airless, covered in a fine layer of electrically charged dust. It is mainly composed of oxygen and silicon dioxide, with other compounds such as iron oxide and calcium oxide. The composition varies depending on the lunar highlands and marias. Moon rocks were brought back for analysis, totaling about 900 pounds. […]
Soil structure is determined by physical and chemical properties, and can be categorized into granular, crumb, blocky, laminate, prismatic, columnar, single-grain, or massive. Factors such as climate, water phases, and biological processes affect soil structure and its ability to support plant life. Soil structure is the shape the soil takes based on its physical and […]
Soil erosion is a natural process, but human activities can accelerate it, leading to decreased soil quality and contaminated waterways. Soil conservation methods, such as contour ploughing and planting trees, can help prevent erosion. Geological erosion is beneficial, while accelerated erosion is detrimental. Soil erosion is a natural process that occurs when soil is swept […]
Soil testing is important in agriculture, construction, and environmental assessments. It includes testing for nutrients, contaminants, compaction, and percolation. Tests are also done to determine the type and depth of foundation required for different buildings and to detect the presence of expansive clay. Soil analysis is a valuable tool used to help farmers achieve maximum […]
Soil maps identify soil types in a region, created by soil scientists conducting a survey and mapping the results onto a background. They are used in agriculture, engineering, and conservation. There are three types: detailed, generalized, and schematic. The NRCS collaborates with state agencies to create soil maps for nearly every county in the US. […]
Soil classification assigns a grade or name to soil types for specific applications. Different systems exist for engineering, agriculture, and geology. The Unified Soil Classification System (USCS) combines engineering and geological classifications. The USDA has its own system with over 20,000 soil types. The AASHO has a chart for building roads, while the FAO has […]
Soil mechanics studies the properties of soil as a building material or foundation, including its formation, composition, and density. Engineers must adapt to the variable properties of soil on a site, which can be determined by sampling and analyzing soil profiles. Different soil structures behave differently in response to stress and water flow, and a […]
Soil contains billions of organisms, mostly bacteria, that break down dead matter for plant absorption. Soil life is classified by size, with bacteria forming a symbiotic relationship with legumes to fix nitrogen. Soil life varies with environmental conditions, and adding fruit to a garden can demonstrate its effects. There are between 100 billion and 3 […]
Soil scientists analyze soil to understand its impact on agriculture and the environment. A degree in soil science or a related field is required, with options for specialization in Soil Science or Environmental Soil Science. Graduate degrees and internships are recommended for research and teaching positions. Licensing may be required in some regions. Social scientists […]
Soil compaction is the compression of soil due to external pressure, which can be harmful or beneficial depending on the circumstances. Construction projects benefit from soil compaction, while it is a problem in natural and agricultural environments. Farmers combat soil compaction by tilling their fields. Soil compaction is the compression of the soil due to […]
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