Soil Science Vocabulary

noun A deposit of sand, mud, etc., formed by flowing water

• The alluvium in the river valley is evidence of past flooding.
• The alluvium along the riverbank makes for good fishing spots.
• I found some cool rocks in the alluvium by the creek.
• Her mind was like alluvium, constantly shifting and changing.

noun a system of pipes or channels that carry away excess water or liquid waste

adjective related to the process of draining or removal of liquid

• Proper drainage is essential for preventing water accumulation in the garden.
• Make sure the drainage in your yard is working properly to avoid flooding.
• I had to unclog the drainage in my shower because it was backed up.
• Emotional drainage can occur after a long day of dealing with difficult situations.

noun the process of a liquid turning into a gas, typically as a result of heat

• The process of evaporation involves the transformation of liquid water into water vapor through the application of heat.
• When the sun comes out, you can see the evaporation of the puddles on the sidewalk.
• Dude, the water just straight up disappeared, must be some crazy evaporation stuff going on.
• His anger slowly simmered and dissipated like the evaporation of morning dew under the hot sun.

noun the quality or state of being fertile; the ability to produce offspring or fruit

adjective fertile (related to or capable of producing offspring or fruit)

• The couple sought medical help to improve their fertility.
• She's been taking supplements to boost her fertility.
• I heard that eating certain foods can up your fertility game.
• The fertile soil of the garden produced a bountiful harvest.

adjective easily crumbled or pulverized

• The archaeological site contained friable soil that crumbled easily when touched.
• Be careful with that old book, the pages are friable and can tear easily.
• I accidentally dropped my phone and now the screen is all friable.
• Her emotions were friable, ready to break at any moment.

verb to harden or solidify, typically through heat or pressure

• The doctor noted the presence of an indurated mass during the physical examination.
• The nurse said the wound looked indurated and needed further evaluation.
• I can't believe how indurated that callus on my foot has become!
• His heart had become indurated after years of disappointment and betrayal.

noun a loosely compacted yellowish-gray deposit of windblown sediment

adjective relating to or characteristic of loess

• The loess deposits in the region are evidence of past wind erosion and sedimentation.
• I found some cool loess rocks while hiking in the canyon.
• Check out this loess stuff I dug up from the backyard.
• Her words settled over him like a layer of loess, slowly building up and shaping his thoughts.

noun a soft, thoroughly decomposed and porous rock that is produced by the in-place chemical weathering of igneous, sedimentary, or metamorphic rocks

• Saprolite is a weathered rock material that forms the base of many soil profiles.
• I heard that saprolite is just really old rock that's been sitting around for ages.
• Dude, that saprolite stuff is like ancient rock that's been chilling forever.
• The artist's creativity seemed to be buried deep within the saprolite of their mind, waiting to be unearthed.

noun fine sand, clay, or other material carried by running water and deposited as a sediment, especially in a channel or harbor

• The silt in the riverbed is being carefully studied by geologists.
• I got my shoes all dirty from walking through that silt near the river.
• I can't believe I got stuck in that silt while trying to cross the stream.
• The silt of doubt clouded his mind, making it hard for him to think clearly.

adjective not consolidated or brought together into a single whole

adverb in a manner that is not consolidated or brought together into a single whole

• The unconsolidated sediment in the riverbed is prone to erosion.
• The loose sediment in the riverbed can easily be washed away.
• The stuff at the bottom of the river is all jumbled up and not stuck together.
• Her thoughts were unconsolidated, scattered like leaves in the wind.

adjective relating to plants that grow on waste ground or among rubbish

• The ruderal plants are able to thrive in disturbed and neglected environments.
• Those weedy plants growing in the abandoned lot are actually ruderal species.
• I can't believe those little ruderal guys are taking over the sidewalk cracks!
• In the world of business, ruderal companies are the ones that can adapt quickly to changing market conditions.

adjective relating to or containing calcium carbonate or limestone

• The calcareous soil in the region is ideal for growing grapes.
• The beach is made up of calcareous sand, so it's great for building sandcastles.
• I heard that new restaurant serves pizza on a calcareous crust.
• Her smile was as bright and white as calcareous rocks in the sun.

noun a rare medical condition characterized by abnormal development or function of the foot or feet

• The study of pederosis in psychology focuses on the development of children's sexual behavior.
• I heard that the new parenting book discusses pederosis and how to address it with your kids.
• Some people believe that talking about pederosis is taboo and should be avoided in conversations.
• The company's unethical practices can be seen as a form of pederosis towards its employees.

noun a substance that is added to a solution to lower its pH and increase its acidity

• The acidifier is used in food preservation to lower the pH level and prevent bacterial growth.
• I heard that the acidifier in soda can be bad for your teeth.
• Don't forget to add a bit of acidifier to your marinade for that extra kick.
• His sharp words acted as an acidifier in their already strained relationship.

verb to make or become acidic

• The process of acidifying the solution involves adding a specific amount of acid to reach the desired pH level.
• When acidifying the soil, make sure to follow the instructions on the bottle.
• I heard that acidifying the pool can help clean it faster.
• Her words had a way of acidifying the atmosphere, making everyone uncomfortable.

noun a person or organism that thrives in an acidic environment

• Acidophil bacteria are known for their ability to thrive in acidic environments.
• Acidophil bacteria love acidic conditions.
• Acidophil microbes are acid-loving creatures.
• Just like acidophil bacteria, some people thrive in challenging situations.

adjective describing something with a sour or sharp taste, similar to acid

• The acidic solution had a pH level below 7.
• I can't eat too many acidic foods or my stomach will hurt.
• That drink tastes so acidy, I can't finish it.
• Her words were like an acidy reminder of the past.