What is soil?

Agri-science Mr. Bailey Components of the Soil Agri-science Mr. Bailey

Soil is…. an important part of the earth’s surface and provides nutrients for plants to grow and produce

Fertile vs. Sterile Fertile - it has all the right materials (Mineral particles, organic matter, air, and water) Sterile - soil has been treated to kill all living organisms in it, good and bad

What is soil and where does it come from? Soil is a material that forms the crust or covering of the earth It comes from the breakdown of rocks and rotting dead organisms Soil is formed very slowly over time

What are the four major components of soil? Soil contains minerals, organic matter, air and water, and living organisms The appropriate amount for each is 45% mineral, 5% organic matter and 50% air and water

Minerals Formed from the breakdown of rock Minerals help provide nutrients and provide a place for roots to grow

Organic Matter Death and decay of any living organism and animal waste Also called humus Helps provide C, H, O and holds H20 and nutrients

Air and Water Air and water is held in tiny spores within the soil The more water, the less air and the less water, the more air

Living Organisms Bacteria Fungi Single cell protozoa Nematodes Earthworms Prairie dogs Groundhogs

Exit Slip What is soil? What are the four components of soil?