Soil Formation
What is in soil? (4 things, name at least 3)
Rock and mineral fragments, decayed matter from living things, air, and water.
What are the 3 types of soil?
Sandy, clay, loam
What is a soil profile?
A section of soil that includes all of the different layers of soil.
What is the layer under topsoil?
Subsoil
List 3 things that you use that depend on soil.
Crops, oxygen, wood, paper, bricks, pottery.
What is weathering?
The natural process of rocks breaking down.
Describe sandy soil.
Loose and large grained
How are the layers in a soil profile different? As the layers get higher, they have s_______ particles and more n__________.
As the layers get higher, they have smaller particles and more nutrients.
What is subsoil made up of? Name at least 2 things.
Mostly inorganic material such as sand, silt, and clay
What is erosion?
Erosion is the movement of soil across the land.
What is humus?
Decayed remains of once-living things.
Describe clay soil.
Smooth, fine, and made of tightly packed grains
Why is leaf litter important? Name at least 1 thing.
It holds water, adds nutrients, and keeps the topsoil from washing away.
What is the layer of soil under subsoil?
Bedrock
What is irrigation?
The watering of land to help grow crops.
How does soil form?
Soil forms from little pieces of rock. Tiny living things move into the soil. When they die, they add nutrients.
Describe loam.
Mixture of clay, sand, and humus.
What is the layer of soil under humus?
Topsoil
What can be found in bedrock? Name at least one thing.
Large rocks, minerals
What processes does God use to protect soil?
Leaf litter and plant roots protect the soil.
Why are living things important to soil?
Living things break up the soil, adding air and water. When they die they add nutrients.
Which type of soil is the best for growing plants?
Loam
What can you find in topsoil? Name at least 2 things
Roots, worms, minerals, air, water, organic and inorganic materials
Think about all of the things that God gives us through soil. What does this tell you about God?
Answers may include that God is generous and gives many benefits through one gift.
How can we protect soil?
Take steps to prevent erosion and not polluting.