*VOCABULARY WORDS ARE IN RED* SOIL *VOCABULARY WORDS ARE IN RED*

Soil * support and nutrients *is permeable *Types of soil vary with climate. *Where are different climates?

EROSION is the movement of sediment and rock to new places.

Weathering breaks down rocks to create soil. It can be caused by weather, water, or living things

3 Layers of Soil Topsoil (The layer on TOP) Subsoil (The prefix SUB means under) Bedrock (It’s hard as rock down there!) *Which layer do you think experiences the most erosion or weathering?

Soil Profile

Soil composition Soil can be any combination of: Air Water Minerals Organic matter

Permeable vs Impermeable Permeable – can pass through a substance Impermeable – can not pass through a substance *VOCABULARY WORDS*

Porosity is a measure of how much of a rock is open space. This space can be between grains or within cracks or cavities of the rock. *VOCAB*

There are five components of soil: 1. Rock 2. Sand 3. Silt 4. Clay 5. Humus Can you match each type of soil to its picture?

Rock is solid and made of minerals

Sand Sand is tiny grains of worn down rock. It doesn’t hold water or have many nutrients.

(largest)Sand ----- Silt-----Clay (smallest) Silt is very small, broken pieces of rock. It is larger than clay, but smaller than sand. It is powdery when dry. (largest)Sand ----- Silt-----Clay (smallest)

Clay is used for adobe or brick houses. Clay holds water well. It is sticky and can be shaped when it is wet. But, it is very hard when dry. Clay has many nutrients. Clay is used for adobe or brick houses.

Humus Humus is made of leaves, twigs, small animals, or other decayed substances (organic matter). Humus adds many nutrients to the soil. Humus is in the topsoil.

Soil Texture The combination of sand, silt and clay make up the soil texture (how it feels). The texture is important for nutrient and water holding ability. *This is particularly important for agriculture.* LOAM soil has been determined the most suited for agricultural crops.

Soil Triangle Once two percent's are known the type of soil can be identified using the triangle. *Watch the video link on the next slide to see how to use the triangle*

Link for Soil Triangle video https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4hW59WZ0EQI

Soil is a Natural Resource Made by NATURE Cannot be replaced Must be conserved (saved)!

Ways to Conserve Soil Plant trees Plant grass Healthy farming Plant gardens to grow crops What else can you do to conserve soil?

Worksheet Complete your soil triangle worksheet