What is happening in numbers 1, 2, 3 and 4 What is happening in numbers 1, 2, 3 and 4? What type of rocks can turn into metamorphic rocks?

Homework! Bring in your permission forms.

The Ground Beneath Our Feet

Warm Up What makes soil healthy?

What Makes Up Healthy Soil? Mineral fragments, humus, air, water, and living things Plant roots, Insects, Worms Humus Organic Material Can support the growth of vegetation Parent rock source of mineral fragments in the soil

Soil Formation Soil starts out as rock The surface rocks break down into smaller pieces and is mixed with organic matter. Over time this creates a thin layer of soil. Decaying matter makes the soil thick and rich

Soil Texture The soil’s quality is based on the proportions of soil particles. Soil texture affects Infiltration: ability of water to move through soil.

Sizes of Weathered Rock That Make Up Soil

Different Types of Soil Every soil type is a mixture of sand, silt, clay. The right mixture is called loam. Loam = 40% sand 40 % silt 20 % clay

Review Questions Which particle is the biggest one that goes in soil? A. Clay B. Silt C. Quartz D. Sand

Review Questions Which particle is the biggest one that goes in soil? A. Clay B. Silt C. Quartz D. Sand

Review Questions What is loam? A. Loam is the perfect combination of sand, silt, and clay. B. Loam is the combination of 30% sand, 40% mud, and 30% clay. C. Loam is located on in horizon B. D. Loam is the particle quality of any soil.

Review Questions What is loam? A. Loam is the perfect combination of sand, silt, and clay. B. Loam is the combination of 30% sand, 40% mud, and 30% clay. C. Loam is located on in horizon B. D. Loam is the particle quality of any soil.

How can soil be damaged?

Soil Damage- Rain Erosion

Soil Damage – Wind Erosion Dust Bowl

Soil Damage – Pollution Chemical spill

Soil Damage - Mining

What is soil conservation? Soil conservation is the management of soil to prevent destruction.

Contour Plowing plowing fields along curves of slopes to prevent water erosion.

No-till farming dead weeds and stalks are left in the ground from year to year to prevent wind / water erosion

Crop Rotation plant different crops in a field from year to year to slow nutrient depletion.

Cover Crops crops that are planted between harvests to replace certain nutrients and prevent erosion. George Washington Carver urged farmers to use this method.

Terracing changes one steep field into several smaller fields to prevent water erosion.

What can YOU do to conserve soil? Ground Cover (plants, pine straw, mulch) Water the soil, not too wet but do not keep dry Retaining walls