Sustainable Soil Management
Glossary
R
RECHARGE. Downward movement of water through soil to groundwater.
RECOMMENDED RATE. Amount of nutrients recommended on a soil test report or plant tissue analysis for a specific crop that meets but does not exceed the crop nutrient requirements. Recommended rates can also include nutrients used for soil test buildup.
REMOTE SENSING. The collection and analysis of data from a distance, using sensors that respond to different heat intensities or light wavelengths.
RESTRICTIVE LAYER. A nearly continuous layer that has one or more physical, chemical, or thermal properties that significantly impede the movement of water and air through the soil or that restricts roots or otherwise provide an unfavorable root environment.
RHIZOBIA. Bacteria capable of living symbiotically with higher plants by receiving food and carbon and providing nitrogen to the plant.
RIDGE TILL. Planting on ridges formed by cultivation during the previous growing period.
RILL. A channel in the soil caused by runoff water erosion that is small enough to be erased by tillage.
RIPARIAN ZONE. Land adjacent to a body of water that is at least periodically influenced by flooding.
RUNNOFF. Portion of precipitation, snowmelt, or irrigation, which moves by surface flow from an area.
