Layers of Soil & More
Components of Soil
Weathering & Erosion
Importance
100
This is the very top layer of soil.
What is topsoil.
100

This is decayed matter in soil. It adds nutrients to the soil and is located in the topsoil.

What is humus.

100
Erosion is when rocks and soil are moved by what two things?
What is wind and water.
100
These are materials that plants and animals need to live and grow.
What are nutrients.
200
This is the bottom layer of soil.
What is bedrock.
200
This is made up of small grains of worn-down rock, has few nutruents, and does not hold water well.
What is sand.
200
Weathering occurs over a short amount of time or long?
What is long amount of time.
200
Why should soil be conserved and not wasted?
Because it takes a long time to form.
300
This is the middle layer of soil.
What is subsoil.
300
This contains tiny particles of soil that hold water well and provides nutrients.
What is clay.
300
What is the term for when weather, water, and living organisms help break down rocks and create soil?
What is weathering.
300
These two layers are formed over a long period of time by the action of water.
What is subsoil and bedrock.
400
This layer contains the most nutrients and is a dark brown color.
What is topsoil/humus.
400
This is made up of very small broken pieces of rock. Its particles are larger than clay and smaller than sand.
What is silt.
400
Give an example of weathering or erosion
.... answers may vary ....
400
Name the 5 components of soil.
What are silt, sand, humus, clay, and rock.
500

Describes how the soil feels.

What is texture.

500

soil made up of an equal mix of sand, clay, silt, and organic matter.

What is loam.

500

Rocks broken down into tiny grains to form sand, is caused because of this

What is weathering.

500

To hold inside, as soil does with water is known as

What is retain.

M
e
n
u