Soil and its Uses

My son had an assignment in his Science subject.  They were asked to find out the important uses of soil.  To help out those of you who might be looking for the same, here's what we found:

Soil is a natural body consisting of layers (soil horizons) of mineral constituents of variable thicknesses, which differ from the parent materials in their morphological, physical, chemical, and mineralogical characteristics.

It is composed of particles of broken rock that have been altered by chemical and environmental processes that include weathering and erosion. Soil differs from its parent rock due to interactions between the lithosphere, hydrosphere, atmosphere, and the biosphere.It is a mixture of mineral and organic constituents that are in solid, gaseous and aqueous states.

Uses of Soil:

1.       Soil is used in agriculture, where it serves as the primary nutrient base for the plants. Soil resources are critical to the environment, as well as to food and fiber production. Soil provides minerals and water to plants. Soil is used to make plants grow healthy.  The types of soil used in agriculture (among other things, such as the purported level of moisture in the soil) vary with respect to the species of plants that are cultivated.

2.       Soil is used in constructions and arts. Soil material is a critical component in the mining and construction industries. Soil serves as a foundation for most construction projects. Massive volumes of soil can be involved in surface mining, road building, and dam construction. Earth sheltering is the architectural practice of using soil for external thermal mass against building walls.  Soil is used to make pots.

3.       Soil play an important role in filtrating and purifying water. After coming down as precipitation, much of the rain water is percolated through the many horizons of a soil profile and renamed as groundwater. As the water moves through different areas such as wetlands, forests, and riparian zones many pollutants are removed. Pollutants such as viruses, oils, metals, excess nutrients, and sediments are filtered out by the soil and surrounding organisms.

4.       Waste management often has a soil component. Landfills use soil for daily cover.  Septic drain fields treat septic tank effluent using aerobic soil processes.

5.       Organic soils, especially peat, serve as a significant fuel resource.

Source:  Google

New Year 2011

picture lifted from google

Dogs: Dalmatian

The Dalmatian is mostly known as the "Firehouse Dog" and the breed gained popularity after the Disney movies 101 Dalmatians.


If you watched it and enjoyed those cute spotted puppies, then you've been introduced to the Dalmatian Breed.

It is a breed of dog whose roots are often said to trace back to Dalmatia, a region of Croatia. The Dalmatian is unmistakably noticeable due to its unique black spotted coat. This dog remains a well loved family pet and most dog enthusiasts enter their pets into the competitions of many kennel clubs. 


They live about 10-12 years.

Temperament


The Dalmatian is trainable to a high degree of obedience. They can be trained for defense and are good watchdogs. Half of the people who adopt a Dalmatian puppy do not keep them past the first year. Young Dalmatians are very energetic, and need a tremendous amount of leadership and exercise. 


They are very playful pets so watch them closely if you have kids.

Christmas Greetings

No special post for today.... Just want to greet my followers (wherever in the world you are...)

MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!!! 

Craft Ideas: Painted Sneakers

Here's a cute craft idea for you crafty moms out there.... painted sneakers.

Give sneakers a one-of-a-kind look with this charming craft.

Tools and MaterialsNewspaper
Clean canvas sneakers
Fabric or acrylic craft paint
Artist paintbrushes
Fabric paint pens

Painted Sneakers How-To1. Cover a work surface with newspaper.

2. Using fabric paints and paint pens, decorate sneakers.

3. Let paint dry for 24 hours before painting another shade on top of the original color.


Lifted from Marthastewart.com

Holiday Recipe: Beef Morcon

Most Filipino homes prepare this for their Christmas feast.  Let me share with you a recipe from my good friend Chelo.

INGREDIENTS:

BEEF ROLL
1 klo beef tenderloin, sliced thinly
1 pc of chorizo, sliced lengthwise
2 pcs of hotdogs
1/4 klo finely chopped beef liver
250 gms pork fat
1 large gherkin, sliced lengthwise, divide into 3
3 pcs of hard boiled egg
1/4 cup dark soy sauce
rock salt
fresh ground black pepper
olive oil

SAUCE
5 cloves of garlic, chopped finely
1 large red onion, chopped
5 large red tomatoes, chopped
2 stalks celery, chopped
1 large red bell pepper, chopped
1 large green bell pepper, chopped
1 medium carrot, sliced lengthwise
200 gms fresh basil, chopped
2 bay leaves
1 cup tomato sauce
1/2 cup beef stock
1/2 cup red wine, medium sweet
1 tsp white sugar
rock salt
fresh ground black pepper
olive oil

PROCEDURE:

Flatten the meat using a bottle to pound it.
Season with salt and pepper.
Lay the liver and flatten it.
Put the hotdogs, chorizo, pork fat, gherkin, carrots, and boiled eggs.
Roll the meat, making sure all ingredients are carefully tucked inside.
Secure this using a kitchen string.
Pour in the soy sauce.
In a wide pan, lightly cook rolled beef in olive oil until lightly browned.
Set aside.

On another pan, heat olive oil then saute the garlic, onions, tomatoes until soft.
Pour in the tomato sauce.
Add the celery, bell peppers, basil, bay leaves, and sugar.
Add the beef stock and allow to simmer for about 5 minutes.
Add the rolled beef and adjust heat to low.
Cover pan tightly with an aluminum foil and allow to cook slowly for about 1 hour.
Just gradually add the red wine should liquid be reduced.
Season with salt and pepper.




lifted from:  The Heart of Chel (FB page)

News on Hubert Webb

Hubert Webb - Acquitted. Hubert Webb was released from prison on Tuesday.

Hubert Webb along with his co-accused in the Vizconde massacre case walked out of the New Bilibid Prison after the Supreme Court released its decision acquitting the convicts for the murders of  the Vizconde women, Estrellita and her daughters Carmela and Jennifer in 1991.

Framed or not? is the next issue that is yet to be proven.  Guilty or not, who knows? For who are we to judge them?  Let God be their judge.  I guess for an outsider like me, they've already suffered in prison.  And we will never know the pain & emotional suffering they went through.

Of course, for Hubert's family, it's a feeling of answered prayers and granted wishes..... a happy Christmas is what they're in for...  After 15 long years behind bars and 15 Christmases spent apart.

For Mr. Vizconde, a very sad  and painful one for not getting the justice he so long prayed for.  I pray that he finds peace.  Let the real culprits be nagged by their conscience and the ghosts of the victims all the remaining days of their lives.

For Jessica Alfaro, the so-called "Star Witness", Perjury may be a case against her for lying & fooling everyone under oath.  I personally have doubted her from the start.

Presently, I guess they all just need to get their bearings first.  It's a time for catching up on the 15 years they missed.  To them, everything is new.  It is obvious that they still feel fear, not for the murder they are accused of, but fear of confronting all the changes around them.  Who wouldn't be if you were locked in the four corners of your jail cell for 15 long years.  

Let them be.  It's their right to live their life again.

acknowledgement: inquirer.net; google