Soil Chemistry Terminology

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Across
  1. 3. Positively charged ion such as calcium (Ca²⁺) or magnesium (Mg²⁺)
  2. 6. Soil particles separating, often caused by excess sodium
  3. 8. Soil particles clumping together, improving structure for roots
  4. 11. Tension, Force that holds water molecules together at the surface
  5. 14. Essential elements such as nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium needed for plant growth
  6. 16. Fully decomposed organic matter with high nutrient holding capacity
  7. 19. Property of water molecules sticking to soil or other surfaces
  8. 20. Material added to soil to supply nutrients like N, P, and K
Down
  1. 1. Fine soil particle with high water and nutrient holding ability
  2. 2. Negatively charged ion such as chloride (Cl⁻) or sulfate (SO₄²⁻)
  3. 4. Soil, Soil with high sodium levels that destroys soil structure and reduces plant growth
  4. 5. Soil that is a balanced mixture of sand, silt, and clay
  5. 7. Exchange Capacity (CEC), Soil’s ability to hold and exchange nutrient cations
  6. 9. Matter, Decomposed plants and animals that improve soil structure and fertility
  7. 10. Property of water molecules sticking to each other
  8. 11. Solution, The water in soil containing dissolved nutrients available for plants
  9. 12. Amount of salts in soil that makes it harder for plants to absorb water
  10. 13. Measure of soil acidity or alkalinity that affects nutrient availability and microbial activity
  11. 15. Medium-sized soil particle with moderate nutrient holding capacity
  12. 17. Large soil particle with low nutrient and water holding ability
  13. 18. Property of water molecules that makes them attract to ions and dissolve nutrients