Soil, Soil Surveys

I. Learn the following words:

pursuit – справа, професія

sewage – стічні води

beneath – під, нижче

guide – керувати, вести

steward – керівник

to label – помічати, маркувати

landmark – орієнтир, наземний орієнтирний знак

host – більшість, багато

land developer – розробник, забудовник

contractor – підрядчик

to rely on – покладатися на

to encounter – наштовхуватись на, стискатися з (труднощами)

permeability – пропускна здатність, проникність

shrink – усадка, ущільнення

swell - розбухання

woodland – лісова місцевість

II. Give English equivalents:

Грунт, земельний огляд, поведінка ґрунту, розташування стічних систем, зона відпочинку, шар ґрунту, підтримувати коріння рослин, групи ґрунтів, науково-обгрунтоване вивчення, тлумачення ґрунтів, надавати інформацію, земля сільської і міської місцевості, сировина, покладатися на земельний огляд, виявляти основні земельні проблеми, здатність до ущільнення (усадки) і розбухання, невдачі при будівництві

III. Fill in the blanks:

1. … are influenced by the behavior of the soil.

2. Soil surveys give us …our soils..

3. Soil is a natural body made up of … .

4. … is characterized by one or both of the following: … .

5. Soil … is scientific-based studies of t he soil.

6. Soil surveys consist of … .

7. The information from soil surveys is useful for … .

ІV. Read and translate the text:

Soil and Soil Surveys

Much of our life’s activities and pursuits are related and influenced by the behavior of the soil around our houses, roads, septic and sewage disposal systems, airports, parks, recreation sites, farms, forests, schools and shopping centers. The characteristics of the soil beneath should guide what is put on its surface. Soil surveys give us the basic understanding of how to interpret and properly manage our soils, enabling us to become better stewards of our land.

SOIL is defined as a natural body made up of solids (minerals and organic matter), liquid, and gases that occurs on the land surface and is characterized by one or both of the following: having layers, called horizons, or the ability to support rooted plants in a natural environment. Areas with similar soils are grouped and labeled as soil series because their similar origins, chemical, and physical properties cause the soils to "behave" similarly for land use purposes. A soil series name generally is derived from a town or landmark in or near the area where the soil series was first recognized.

SOIL SURVEYS are scientific-based studies of the soil found in each country. They are made up of three major parts: maps, soil descriptions, and soil interpretations of their potential uses or limitations as both raw material and structural support. A soil survey is prepared by soil scientists who determine the properties of soil and predict soil behavior for a host of uses. These predictions, often called interpretations, are developed to help users of soils to better manage this natural resource. The survey provides information about land use management, soil formation, and interpretations that can affect a wide range of rural and urban land uses.

This information is especially useful to land developers, engineers and contractors, who rely on the survey to uncover general soil problems they can expect to encounter in a proposed construction area—for example, slow permeability, low bearing strength, corrosive to metal and concrete, or high shrink/swell capacity.

Cost overruns or construction failures can be avoided in many cases by consulting a soil survey first. Some of these land uses would include:

• Building and construction stability, both private and commercial

• Road building and placement

• Sanitary facilities

• Construction material potential sources

• Woodland management and productivity

• Crop or grazing suitability and productivity

• Conservation applications

By taking advantage of information published in soil surveys, people will be able to make informed and educated decisions when it comes to land use.