LIVING ON PLANET EARTH © 2011 abcteach.com Soil

Soil Soil, is made from rocks that have broken apart or worn away over many years. It also contains air, water, and humus--the decayed remains of dead plants and animals. © 2011 abcteach.com

Most soils contain living animals that mix air into the soil as they move about, and fungi, protozoa and bacteria that break nutrients and minerals down into very small pieces. © 2011 abcteach.com

Water also plays an important role in making soil Water also plays an important role in making soil. It transports pieces of rock, flaked off minerals, and humus to other locations. © 2011 abcteach.com

As water passes through the soil it dissolves the minerals and nutrients that will be absorbed by the roots of plants. © 2011 abcteach.com

All of these activities and elements help create soils in which plants will do their best to germinate and grow. © 2011 abcteach.com

Soil has 5 main parts. They are: Gravel Sand Silt Clay Humus © 2011 abcteach.com

Gravel Visible rock particles each containing several minerals. Gravel sizes range from 2 mm up to 64 mm. © 2011 abcteach.com

Sand Individual grains of mineral particles. It drains water very quickly. Sand sizes range from 0.006 millimeters to 2.00 millimeters. © 2011 abcteach.com

Silt Fine grains or tiny pieces of rock. Silt makes mud when water is added. Silt sizes range from 0.004 millimeters to 0.006 millimeters. © 2011 abcteach.com

Clay A soil that holds water. Clay feels slippery and slimy, and it compacts tightly when it is wet. Particles are smaller than 0.004 millimeters. © 2011 abcteach.com

Humus A dark, moist composition of dead, rotting insects, animals, leaves, roots, sticks, and food. Humus adds nutrients to the soil. Composting is a process that produces humus. © 2011 abcteach.com

Plants Need Soil Plants have adapted to grow in a variety of soils and climates throughout the world. © 2011 abcteach.com

For instance, some species are better adapted to live in sandy soils, while others prefer rich, dense top soils or environments frequently saturated with water. © 2011 abcteach.com

Wild plants depend upon nature to provide them with nutrients, water and light. Quite often, plants are unable to germinate or to live very long lives because conditions are too harsh. © 2011 abcteach.com

Agriculture Plants grown by gardeners and farmers have an advantage because people have studied plant species and are able to deliver much of what a plant needs when it needs it. © 2011 abcteach.com

Successful growers have learned how to provide their plants with quality environments. © 2011 abcteach.com

They prepare the soils with compost and fertilizer so that each species has the proper nutrition. © 2011 abcteach.com

They provide proper drainage and monitor the amount of moisture so that the roots are healthy and able to deliver water to the leaves. They place the plant in areas that give an appropriate amount of light for the species. © 2011 abcteach.com

They control disease and animal infestation They control disease and animal infestation. In the end, they are rewarded with plants that photosynthesize, grow and produce flowers, seeds, fruits and nuts for people and animals to eat. © 2011 abcteach.com

Soil You can help to improve the quality of soil and water in your community by properly disposing of hazardous materials, and by contributing to recycling and composting efforts. © 2011 abcteach.com

Soil LIVING ON PLANET EARTH © 2011 abcteach.com Images Courtesy of: Microsoft Clipart www.office.com http://search.usa.gov/search/ Contributions from abcteach.com staff members, and others as identified. LIVING ON PLANET EARTH © 2011 abcteach.com Soil