Soils and drainage

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A layer which might exist between the A and B horizons. This is where organic matter, fine soil particles, and nutrients have been removed (washed down for example) from the A horizon forming a distinct lighter coloured layer sitting above the B horizon. It is also called the Eluvial Horizon.

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A relationship with the soil. Maintaining turf surfaces needs a good understanding of edaphic factors. For example, the moisture content of a soil and how this might affect the effectiveness of aeration or rolling. The soil texture and how much water might be retained or how much nutrients might be available to a plant. Soil structure and its drainage potential; or soil pH and its effect on grass development.

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See E Horizon.

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The total of a soils ability to retain and exchange positively and negatively charged elements (termed ions) within a soil. The term is primarily used to refer to that of Cation Exchange Capacity, but the process of Anion Exchange Capacity should not be overlooked.

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The Fermentation horizon within a soil profile. Where present, it forms part of the O Horizon.

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See Gradient.

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A drainage system which might be used for small localised areas. Lateral drainage trenches run into a central point, typically a soakaway or a silt trap. The trenches will be in the pattern of a fan, similar to outstretched fingers on a hand.

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Part of the Organic Horizon, which mainly consists of partly decomposed plant material, typically leaves, but also including basal sheaths and twigs if on wooded areas of trees or shrubs. It sits below the Litter Layer. It is also called the F Horizon/Layer/Zone.

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A soil which has an adequate range and quantity of nutrients which are available for plant growth. In addition, the soil will have a good soil structure, will have adequate drainage to ensure waterlogging, if it occurred would be a short-term temporary feature, and a suitable quantity of organic matter would be present to ensure a good soil ecology is maintained.

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The maximum amount of water retained by a soil after natural drainage from gravity has occurred. This is typically up to 3 days after a soil has been thoroughly wetted from heavy rainfall and it has worked its way through the soil profile. Field capacity is the starting point for what is termed Available Water Capacity, and it has also been known as Field Moisture Capacity.