SOIL The soil is the source of life, creativity, culture, and real independence. David Ben Gurion (1886-1973), Hazon VeDerek, 1951

Just What Is Soil? It is where life and life processes begin on land. It is the material that constitutes the outermost solid layer of our planet. It is a naturally-occurring mixture of minerals, air, water and organic ingredients. It is formed by the dynamics of chemical and physical weathering. Great intro to soil video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=if29mjcd5bc (3:43)

Soil Composition Soil is composed of four major components: Minerals or rock particles – 45% Water – 25% Air – 25% Organic matter such as leaves – 5%

The Soil’s Ecosystem Soil is a home for many living things such as worms and many microorganisms that you cannot always see with your eye. The soil’s ecosystem is a source of food for the organisms that live there. The soil’s ecosystem is a protective area. Chef’s Challenge: (4:30) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hDfFrhL 1gl8

Soil Properties How do soils differ? Composition Texture Color Porosity – the ability to retain water Permeability – the ability of water to move through the soil Nutrients – the ability to support plant growth

Soil Composition Observing the sample with a hand lens Touching the dry sample Rolling the moist sample Smearing Settling

Soil Texture The way soil “feels” is called the soil texture. Soil’s texture depends on the amount of each component and the size of its particles: Sand are the largest particles and they feel gritty Silt are medium-sized and they feel soft or silky like flour Clay are the smallest-sized particles and they feel sticky and hard to squeeze. Video:(3min):https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fufeaLB LGlk

Soil Texture In the Classroom In the Environment Dichotomous Key Coffee Grounds, Flour and Modeling Clay In the Environment Sand, Silt and Clay Dichotomous Key Guide to Soil Texture by Feel

Relative Size Comparison of Soil Particles Barrel Sand (feels gritty) (2.00 - 0.05 mm, USDA) (2.00 - 0.02 mm, ISSS)    Plate Silt (feels floury) (0.05 - 0.002 mm, USDA) (0.02 - 0.002 mm, ISSS) Coin Clay (feels sticky) (< 0.002 mm, USDA) (< 0.002 mm, ISSS)

Soil Texture Triangle

Soil Colors

Hue

Value Degree of lightness or darkness of a color Black: 0/ White: 10/ Gray: halfway between black and white 5/

Water Relationship Porosity – the ability of soil to hold water Permeability – the ability of water to move through the soil Dependent on soil particle size The larger the particle size the more movement Saturation Rate – the point where no more water can be absorbed or moved through the soil

Soil Provides Nutrients Washed down from the O and A horizons. Held in the B Horizon by presence of clay Absorbed by the plant’s roots to provide food to the plants.

Soil Profile A soil profile is a slice of earth several feet deep. By studying soil profiles, scientist learn about the soils characteristics and how to use and protect it. Soil profiles are made up of several layers called horizons - each with their own job. Soil Layers video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ysIm7ImsK6c Soil Layers Song 3:53: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gx2wVHeiTKE

The Soil’s Horizons The surface layer or the O Layer is made up of organic material like leaves and grass. The A horizon is a mixture of decayed organic material and minerals. The B horizon is the most active layer. It is where the nutrients and moisture is stored. The B horizon is also called the root horizon. This is where plants’ roots reach out and pull nutrients and water into the plants. The C horizon is the area of parent material that helps to make the soil.

Types of Existing Bedrock – the solid rock beneath a layer of soil

Soil is Formed by Weathering Physical/Mechanical: Freezing water Wind Running water Frost Chemical: Acid rain Minerals are dissolved Biological: Roots of plants Lichen Burrowing and digging by animals and insects

Geology Kitchen video (7:00): https://www. youtube. com/watch

What are the ingredients???

Soil Conservation Apple Demonstration Soil Stories Soil Is Not Trivial Enviroscape Cookie Mining From Apple Cores to Healthy Soil Composting (Presented by Solid Waste Management Authority) Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fzv7fVmHPzs (6:41)

Respect the Soil Once you step out onto a piece of ground, you step out onto something that is alive. Soil is not just a piece of dirt. Soil is made up of living and nonliving material spread as a very thin layer over the entire surface of the planet we call Earth.

OMS science teachers thank the following for their assistance with this unit. Summit County Educational Service Center Standards-Based Science Curriculum Includes: Model Curriculum-Content Statement(s) Model Curriculum-Content Elaboration Concepts Model Curriculum-Visions Into Practice (V) A Framework for K-12 Science Education: Practices , Crosscutting Concepts, and Core Ideas (F) → Next Generation (Next Gen) Science Education Standards Strategies for Teaching and Learning Missi Zender-Sakach Science Consultant Summit County Educational Service Center Sandy Barbic Education Specialist Summit Soil & Water Conservation District Debbie Rohr Consultant