120k views
4 votes
Time and weather are not major influences in soil stress.
a) True
b)False

1 Answer

5 votes

Final answer:

The statement is false as climate, which includes weather conditions, and time are significant factors that influence soil stress by affecting weathering, decomposition, and soil structure.

Step-by-step explanation:

The statement that time and weather are not major influences in soil stress is false. Soil stress is significantly affected by various factors, of which climate and, thus, weather conditions are crucial. Soils are dynamic systems that change over time, and temperature, moisture, wind patterns, and the amount of rainfall influence the processes of weathering, decomposition, and the water balance of a soil.

Furthermore, soil formation is governed by a combination of climate, organisms, relief, parent material, and time. Over time, soils develop distinct structural properties, such as horizons that determine the soil's ability to support plant life and dictate its stress levels. For instance, younger soils with less developed horizons may be more susceptible to stress from environmental factors compared to mature soils with well-established profiles.

Abiotic factors such as temperature and moisture also impact plant growth and therefore influence soil structure due to activities of biota. Fluctuations in climate conditions like drought or heavy rains can lead to soil drying or erosion, thereby adding stress to the soil system. Consequently, it's evident that time and weather are indeed influential factors in the stress experienced by soils.

User Ninjin
by
8.6k points