What's Inside Soil?
What is a living component found in healthy soil?
Earthworms
What is one of the most important reasons why soil is valuable to our society?
It provides a place for plants to grow and produce food
What is a human activity that can harm soil?
Pollution, Over-farming without giving soil time to rest
What is soil erosion?
The process of soil being worn away
What is composting?
Converting organic waste into nutrient-rich soil
What is a non-living component of soil?
minerals, rocks, air, water
What type of soil is best for growing most crops?
Loam soil
What is the effect of adding pesticides to soil?
It can harm/kill beneficial organisms in the soil
What is the main type of erosion that affects Canada's coastlines?
Water erosion
Which of these helps maintain healthy soil?
Removing all plants
Adding chemical pesticides
Crop rotation
Leaving soil bare
Crop rotation
How do earthworms help soil?
They create air spaces and mix nutrients
What helps soil hold water better?
Adding organic matter
What is one way farmers in Ontario protect their soil?
Using sustainable farming practices
What type of erosion is common in deserts or agriculture areas where soil is not covered by plants?
Wind erosion
How can farmers in Ontario protect their soil during winter?
Plant cover crops
What happens when too many chemicals are added to soil?
Helpful organisms die
A plant that prefers dry roots will prefer which type of soil: Sand, clay, or loam
Sand
True or false:
Excessive use of fertilizer can harm the soil by reducing its ability to hold water and nutrients.
True
What can people do to prevent soil erosion?
Plant trees and vegetation, plant cover crops, use erosion barriers, no till farming
Which is a benefit of composting?
It improves soil fertility
Sand, Silt, Clay, Loam
Why is soil important for the environment?
It provides habitat for many organisms
What farming practice can lead to the depletion of soil nutrients?
Over farming
What is one impact of erosion on soils?
Loss of topsoil, reduce soil fertility, increased flooding, desertification, loss of habitat
Which is a sign of healthy soil?
Many earthworms and insects