Problem Set 3, questions 1 and 5

Hello!

For question 1: If Ammonification is part of mineralization and produces plant-available ammonium, why is it necessary for nitrification to occur? Am I correct in assuming that it transforms ammonium into nitrogen?

For question 5b), would we talk about one of the four main soil formation processes (addition, translocation, etc)? If so, would this be found based on the diagnostic horizon? Ex: Diagnostic horizon is Bf, soil formation process is the addition of Fe and Al? Thank you!

Re. question#1 - process of mineralization could stop at the ammonification step if plants and soil organisms take up all ammonium produced. However, if there is surplus of ammonium ions and soil is well aerated (ie O2 is present) ammonium will quickly be transformed into nitrites and nitrates.

I question #5 re. description of 2 soil forming processes in the soil specifid in that question, you should talk about the specific soil forming process ... and yes you find out what specific soil forming processes are by looking at the lower letter in horizon descriptions.