Sustainable Soil Management
Glossary
G
GELISOLS. An order in Soil Taxonomy. Soils that have permafrost within the upper 1 yard, or upper 2 yards if cryoturbation is also present. They may have an ochric, histic, mollic, or other epipedon.
GEOGRAPHIC INFORMATION SYSTEM (GIS). A method of overlaying, statistically analyzing, and integrating large volumes of spatial data of different kinds. The data are referenced to geographical coordinates and encoded in a form suitable for handling by computer.
GLEYED. A soil condition resulting from prolonged saturation with water and reducing conditions that manifest themselves in greenish or bluish colors throughout the soil mass or in mottles.
GRANUALR STRUCTURE. Soil structure in which the individual grains are grouped into spherical aggregates with indistinct sides. Highly porous granules are commonly called crumbs. A well-granulated soil has the best structure for most ordinary crop plants.
GRAVITATIONAL POTENTIAL. That portion of the total soil water potential due to differences in elevation of the reference pool of pure water and that of the soil water. Since the soil water elevation is usually chosen to be higher than that of the reference pool, the gravitational potential is usually positive.
GRAVITATIONAL WATER. Water that moves through the soil because of gravity.
GREEN MANURE. Plant material incorporated into the soil while green or at maturity, for soil improvement.
GROUNDWATER. Water in the saturated zone below the soil surface.
GUARANTEED ANALYSIS. Minimal percentages of available nutrients as stated on a fertilizer label.
GULLY. A large channel in the soil, caused by erosion that is deep and wide enough that it cannot be crossed by tillage equipment.
GYPSUM. Calcium sulfate used to supply calcium and sulfur and to improve sodic soils.
