Soil Horizons
Which soil horizon is most rich in organic matter and plants grow best there?
A Horizon
How does soil form?
the process by which rocks and organic materials break down and develop into soil over time
What are the three main types of soil particles?
sand, silt, clay
What was the Dust Bowl?
a severe drought and series of dust storms that happened in the 1930s, mainly in the Great Plains region of the United States.
What is irrigation?
Irrigation is the process of supplying water to crops through pipes, hoses, or ditches to help them grow, especially in dry areas.
Which layer is known as the bedrock or the unweathered rock?
R
What is weathering?
the natural process of rocks and minerals breaking down and deteriorating
What is the soil texture triangle used for?
determine soil type
What caused the Dust Bowl?
a combination of drought, over-farming, and poor soil conservation practices, which left the soil exposed and vulnerable to erosion.
What are pesticides?
Chemicals applied to help control pests and insects in fields
How do soil horizons form?
weathering of rocks, decay of organic material, and the movement of minerals and nutrients.
How does climate influence soil formation?
Warm, moist climates speed up weathering and organic decay, leading to faster soil formation; cold or dry climates slow it down.
If a soil sample has 40% sand, 40% silt, and 20% clay, what soil type does the triangle classify it as?
loam
How did farming practices contribute to the Dust Bowl?
Farmers removed native grasses that held the soil in place and used deep plowing techniques, which loosened the soil and made it easier for wind to blow it away.
What is the purpose of a greenhouse?
A greenhouse provides a controlled environment to grow plants, especially in areas with short growing seasons or harsh weather.
O
What is erosion?
the removal of soil by wind, water, or ice, which can slow or prevent soil formation by stripping away layers
Which soil type holds the most water: sand, silt, or clay?
Clay
What can we learn from the Dust Bowl about protecting our soil today?
We learn that sustainable farming, planting cover crops, and practicing soil conservation are essential to prevent erosion and protect the environment.
What time of year is corn planted?
April-May
Name all soil horizons
O, A, B, C, R
Approximately how many years does one centimeter of topsoil take to form?
100-400 years
f a soil sample has 25% clay, 50% silt, and 25% sand, what is its soil type?
silty clay loam
What are cover crops?
We learn that sustainable farming, planting cover crops, and practicing soil conservation are essential to prevent erosion and protect the environment.
Why do farmers plant different crops each year?
They do this to keep the soil healthy and prevent pests and diseases from becoming a problem.