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chalky soil

Primary Information
Secondary Information

Definition

Chalky soil is a type of soil that is rich in calcium carbonate.

Calcium carbonate is a white, chalky substance that is made up of the elements calcium and carbon.

Chalky soil is often found in areas that were once covered by the ocean because calcium carbonate is dissolved in seawater. When the seawater evaporates, the calcium carbonate is left behind.

Chalky soil is not very fertile, meaning that it does not have a lot of nutrients for plants to grow. However, chalky soil can be improved by adding compost or other organic matter. Compost helps to break down the calcium carbonate, making it easier for plants to absorb the nutrients.

How can the word be used?

The chalky soil made it difficult to grow vegetables in my garden.

chalky soil

Different forms of the word

Noun:

Singular: chalky soil.

Plural: chalky soils.

Adjective:

Chalky: relating to chalk.

Chalky soil: soil that is rich in chalk.

Etymology

The word “chalky” comes from the Old English word “cealc”, which means “chalk”. The word “chalk” comes from the Latin word “calx”, which also means “chalk”.

Question

How do plants respond to chalky soil?

AQA Science Exam Question and Answer

Question:

What is "chalky soil," and how does its composition affect plant growth?

Answer:

Chalky soil is a type of soil characterised by its high content of calcium carbonate and alkaline pH levels.

Impact of Chalky Soil on Plant Growth:

Chalky soil's alkaline nature can significantly influence plant growth. While some plants thrive in alkaline conditions, others may struggle to absorb essential nutrients like iron and manganese due to reduced solubility in such soil. As a result, certain plants may show signs of nutrient deficiencies, such as yellowing leaves. However, chalky soils are well-drained, which benefits many plant species. Plants adapted to alkaline conditions, such as certain wildflowers and shrubs, can flourish in chalky soil, while others may require soil amendments to improve nutrient availability. Overall, the composition of chalky soil plays a crucial role in determining the types of plants that can thrive in a particular environment.