Layers of Soil
Nutrient-rich organic matter made up of dead animals and plants
Humus
- I have a hardpan
- I am found in areas of coniferous forest
- I have a grey, leached topsoil
Podzol
Solid rock; also known as bedrock
What is the C Horizon?
What do we use soil for?
- Growing food
- Growing plants
What is leaching?
When rain washes nutrients down through the A Horizon
The upper layer of soil that is rich in nutrients. This layer is very important for growing plants.
A Horizon
- I form in cold, wet upland areas
- I am bad for growing plants
- My topsoil is almost black
Peat soils
Rich in nutrients and minerals; usually dark in color;known as topsoil
What is Horizon A?
True or False:
Forty-five percent of soil is composed of minerals.
True
What is agroforestry?
When farmers plant trees as part of their farming activity.
Layer of soil below the topsoil. This soil is full of minerals and rocks.
B Horizon
- I am found in well-drained lowlands
- My leaf litter produces rich humus
- I am a very fertile soil
Brown Earth
Which Horizon has the highest humus content?
A Horizon
Where are tropical red soils found?
In countries close to the equator
Name two causes of desertification.
- Rapid population growth
- Climate change
- Drought
- Deforestation
The solid rock below the subsoil.
Bedrock
- I become waterlogged in winter
- I form in cold regions with high rainfall
- I am suitable for grazing sheep
Gleys
What is another name for the O Horizon?
soil surface
What causes soil erosion? Name at least three.
- Overcropping
- Overgrazing
- Deforestation
- Climate change
Name 2 solutions to desertification.
- Irrigation systems
- Restrictions to herd sizes
- Planting trees
No plants can enter this area
Bedrock
True or false
Brown Earth soils form in areas once covered in deciduous trees.
True
Where can you find a hardpan?
Between A Horizon and B Horizon
Name the 5 components of soil.
- Air (25%)
- Water (25%)
- Mineral matter (45%)
- Living organisms (1%)
- Humus (4%)
What is the Sahal region ?
The semi-arid region just south of the Sahara desert that is experiencing desertification