Soil strucure
What is soil made of?
Soil is made of tiny rock particles, air, water, organic matter, and living organisms.
What is a soil profile?
A soil profile is a vertical section of soil that shows its different layers, called horizons.
Why do plants need soil?
Soil gives plants support, water, and nutrients they need to grow.
What are the four main geospheres of the Earth?
Lithosphere: The solid outer part of the Earth (rocks and soil)
Hydrosphere: All the water on Earth
Atmosphere: The layer of air around the Earth
Biosphere: All living things on Earth
What is compost?
Compost is a natural fertilizer made by breaking down organic waste like food scraps and leaves.
Why is soil structure important?
Good soil structure helps air and water move through the soil and allows plant roots to grow.
What are the main layers (horizons) in a soil profile?
Topsoil (A horizon): Rich in organic matter and good for plant growth
Subsoil (B horizon): Has minerals and less organic matter
Parent rock (C horizon): Made of larger rocks
Bedrock: The solid rock beneath the soil
What part of the plant grows in the soil?
The roots.
Which geosphere does soil belong to?
Soil belongs to the lithosphere.
Why is compost useful?
Compost adds nutrients to the soil and helps plants grow better.
Name three types of soil.
Sand, clay, and silt.
In which layer of soil do plant roots grow and organisms live?
Plant roots grow and many organisms live in the topsoil layer, also called the A horizon.
What happens if the soil is poor and dry?
Plants may not grow well because they can’t get enough nutrients or water.
What is the pedosphere?
The pedosphere is the outermost layer of the Earth where soil forms and exists.
Name two things you can put in a compost bin.
Fruit peels and dry leaves.