The soil atmosphere (gas) typically contains __________ oxygen and __________ carbon dioxide that the bulk atmosphere above the
soil. a. Less oxygen and less carbon dioxide
b. Less oxygen and more carbon dioxide
c. More oxygen and less carbon dioxide
d. More oxygen and more carbon dioxide
The composition of air in the layers between the soil is called soil atmosphere or gas.
The maximum percentage of gas in soil is nitrogen with 79.2 %. Then it is oxygen with 20.6 % and the last is carbon dioxide with 0.25 %. These gases are required in order to maintain life under the ground. The roots of trees and the microorganisms require soil atmosphere to carry out their functions.
The soil atmosphere contains oxygen and carbon dioxide both in a range of 0.4 to 21% however oxygen is replaced by the carbon dioxide. IN atmosphere the case is different in terms of oxygen as, oxygen is more and carbon dioxide is less, which is 21% and 0.36 respectively.
Oxygen is utilized by plant roots and also use by soil microbes through respiration and carbon dioxide released.
Thus, in the soil, the oxygen levels are less than atmospheric levels and the carbon dioxide levels are more than atmospheric levels.
