[The Cooperative Soil Survey] Soils Tutorial: Glossary

Glossary

Definitions from the Soil Science Society of America (SSSA)

A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z

Fallow Cropland left idle in order to restore productivity through accumulation of moisture. Summer fallow is common in regions of limited rainfall where cereal grains are grown. The soil is tilled for at least one growing season for weed control and decomposition of plant residue.

Fast intake The rapid movement of water into the soil.

Fertility soil The quality that enables a soil to provide plant nutrients, in adequate amounts and in proper balance, for the growth of specified plants when light, moisture, temperature, tilth, and other growth factors are favorable.

Fibric soil material The least decomposed of all organic soil material. Peat contains a large amount of well preserved fiber that is readily identifiable according to botanical origin. Peat has the lowest bulk density and the highest water content at saturation of all organic soil material.

Field moisture capacity The moisture content of a soil, expressed as a percentage of the ovendry weight, after the gravitational, or free, water has drained away

Fine textured soil Sandy clay, silty clay, and clay.

First bottom The normal flood plain of a stream, subject to frequent or occasional flooding.

Flagstone A thin fragment of sandstone, limestone, slate, shale, or (rarely) schist, 6 to 15 inches (15 to 38 centimeters) long.

Flood plain A nearly level alluvial plain that borders a stream and is subject to flooding unless protected artificially.

Foot slope The inclined surface at the base of a hill.

Forb Any herbaceous plant not a grass or a sedge.

Fragipan A loamy, brittle subsurface horizon low in porosity and content of organic matter and low or moderate in clay but high in silt or very fine sand A fragipan appears cemented and restricts roots When dry, it is hard or very hard and has a higher bulk density than the horizon or horizons above. When moist, it tends to rupture suddenly under pressure rather than to deform slowly.

Frost action Freezing and thawing of soil moisture. Frost action can damage roads, buildings and other structures, and plant roots Genesis soil. The mode of origin of the soil Refers especially to the processes or soil-forming factors responsible for the formation of the solum, or true soil, from the unconsolidated parent material

Fallow	Cropland left idle in order to restore productivity through accumulation of moisture. Summer fallow is common in regions of limited rainfall where cereal grains are grown. The soil is tilled for at least one growing season for weed control and decomposition of plant residue.
Fast intake	The rapid movement of water into the soil.
Fertility soil	The quality that enables a soil to provide plant nutrients, in adequate amounts and in proper balance, for the growth of specified plants when light, moisture, temperature, tilth, and other growth factors are favorable.
Fibric soil material	The least decomposed of all organic soil material. Peat contains a large amount of well preserved fiber that is readily identifiable according to botanical origin. Peat has the lowest bulk density and the highest water content at saturation of all organic soil material.
Field moisture capacity	The moisture content of a soil, expressed as a percentage of the ovendry weight, after the gravitational, or free, water has drained away
Fine textured soil	Sandy clay, silty clay, and clay.
First bottom	The normal flood plain of a stream, subject to frequent or occasional flooding.
Flagstone	A thin fragment of sandstone, limestone, slate, shale, or (rarely) schist, 6 to 15 inches (15 to 38 centimeters) long.
Flood plain	A nearly level alluvial plain that borders a stream and is subject to flooding unless protected artificially.
Foot slope	The inclined surface at the base of a hill.
Forb	Any herbaceous plant not a grass or a sedge.
Fragipan	A loamy, brittle subsurface horizon low in porosity and content of organic matter and low or moderate in clay but high in silt or very fine sand A fragipan appears cemented and restricts roots When dry, it is hard or very hard and has a higher bulk density than the horizon or horizons above. When moist, it tends to rupture suddenly under pressure rather than to deform slowly.
Frost action	Freezing and thawing of soil moisture. Frost action can damage roads, buildings and other structures, and plant roots Genesis soil. The mode of origin of the soil Refers especially to the processes or soil-forming factors responsible for the formation of the solum, or true soil, from the unconsolidated parent material