Top 10 Commonly Confused Words in Soil Ecology

Top 10 Commonly Confused Words in Soil Ecology 1. Ecosystem vs. Habitat The first pair of words that often causes confusion is 'ecosystem' and 'habitat.' While both refer to specific areas, an ecosystem encompasses the living organisms and their interactions, along with the physical environment. On the other hand, a habitat is simply the natural home or environment of a particular organism. 2. Decomposer vs. Detritivore Next up, we have 'decomposer' and 'detritivore.' Both play essential roles in breaking down organic matter, but there's a slight difference. Decomposers, like fungi and bacteria, obtain their nutrients from dead organic material. Detritivores, such as earthworms and millipedes, feed on this decomposed matter. 3. Humus vs. Compost Moving on, 'humus' and 'compost' are often used interchangeably, but they're not the same. Humus is the stable, dark organic matter in soil, formed through the decomposition of plant and animal residues. Compost, on the other hand, is the result of a human-controlled process of decomposing organic waste. 4. Loam vs. Silt When it comes to soil texture, 'loam' and 'silt' are two terms that can be confusing. Loam refers to a soil type that has a balanced mixture of sand, silt, and clay, making it ideal for plant growth. Silt, on the other hand, is a granular material with a particle size between sand and clay. 5. Leaching vs. Erosion