Final answer:
The question involves the matching of soil characteristics to soil components like inorganic minerals, organic matter, water, and air. Compaction from heavy machinery or foot traffic can reduce air content and alter the soil structure, negatively impacting soil health. Understanding both soil components and horizon layers like topsoil and subsoil is key to soil science.
Step-by-step explanation:
The subject of the student's question relates to matching soil characteristics to their respective soil components. Specifically, the four major components of soil that need to be considered are inorganic minerals, organic matter, water, and air. Soil compaction, which can be caused by heavy machinery or foot traffic, can impact the composition by reducing the air spaces between the soil particles, making it denser and less permeable to water and root growth.
Soil compaction changes the proportion of these four components, leading to decreased aeration and water infiltration. Furthermore, it can negatively affect the high interconnected structures of the soil, which are essential for maintaining a healthy ecosystem.
Topsoil and Subsoil
In addition to the four components of soil, the horizons of soil are important. The topmost layer is generally known as the topsoil, rich in organic material and responsible for supporting most plant life. The layers beneath the topsoil are often referred to as subsoil, which supports root growth and water movement but has less organic content.