Soil in the enviornment
what is soil?
soil is what covers the earths surface. It is a mix of organic material, broken rock and minerals.
How many soil horizons are there?
5! Humus, Top Soil, Subsoil, Parent material and bedrock.
A single grain of soil is called a particle. The 3 soil particles are:
Sand, Silt and Clay.
what is soil erosion?
soil erosion is the washing or blowing away the top layer of soil.
What is a pesticide?
Pesticides are chemicals used to destroy pests like insects or weeds.
Why do humans need soil?
It is important for growing plants and supporting all life on earth.
True of False: Top soil has very little nutrients so animals and plant roots do not live in this layer.
FALSE! Plants and other organisms live here because it is rich in nutrients. The Plant roots also live in this layer.
Sand soil is the __________ soil particle. (Largest, Medium sized or smallest)
what causes soil erosion?
Nature causes soil erosion through wind and water but humans can also cause soil erosion by cutting down trees or having too many farm animals on farmland.
True or False: Pesticides are healthy for the soil!
False! Pesticides are harmful to the soil and to wildlife. Pesticides can last a long time in the soil.
Name 4 creatures that live in the soil?
Examples are: earthworms, bugs, moles, groundhogs, chipmunks, foxes, skunks and snakes.
LIGHTER! It has less nutrients than topsoil.
which type of soil does not hold water and drains quickly?
Sandy Soil!
what can we do to help stop soil erosion?
plant trees and other plants to create a barrier from wind and the plant roots act as a net to in the soil to protect it from washing away during rain.
What is fertilizer?
Fertilizer is material that is added to soil to make it healthier.
True or Flase? Soil is made up of many layers
TRUE! every layer has its own name and characteristics.
Parent material is made up mostly of....
ROCKS! Plant roots do not live here.
Which type of soil has medium sized particles, is smooth and powder and hard for water to pass through?
Silt Soil!
True or false? Salt naturally found in soil?
TRUE! it is naturally found in soil but if humans add more salt to the soil it is damaging.
What are 2 common fertilizers used to make soil healthier?
Compost and manure.
True! Humus is the thin top layer made up of decaying plant and animal remains.
Bedrock is...
The very bottom layer of the soil horizons! It is not soil it is rock!
Which type of soil has the smallest grain particles, is sticky when wet and very hard when dry. It is difficult to have water pass through.
Clay Soil!
How might humans add more salt to soil?
Using road salt in the winter and using salty water from oceans to water plants.
What is compost?
compost is a fertilizer that is made from natural materials/waste. Natural material examples are banana peels, apple cores, food scraps.