Soil Sand, Silt, Clay

Soil The outer layer of the earth’s crust, supports plant growth. Mineral matter is the non-living substances that make up soil. It is rock that weathered to make up soil. SAND, SILT, CLAY Texture is determined by the percentage of sand, silt and clay present in the soil.

Sand Largest Soil Particle, you can see each particle Good aeration and water flow. Poor WHC and Cation Exchange Capacity=CAN’T HOLD NUTRIENTS

Silt Mixture of sand and clay Mid-size particle, holds water and nutrients. Feels like flour when dry and smooth when wet.

Clay Smallest Soil Particle, holds water and nutrients. Poor aeration and water drainage. Clumps when dry. Has the most surface area

Loam When there are equal amounts of sand, silt and clay.

Humus Organic matter that will not break down any further. Comes from plant leaves, roots, stems. Soil with lots of OM will be dark in color. Organic soil is more productive Kind of like a natural compost material…

Tilth The ease of which soil can be worked. Moles, earthworms, ants help this process. Increase Aeration Increase Nutrient Content Increase Water Drainage

Soil Texture Chart Find the percentage of each soil type. Where they all meet, is the type of soil.

Let’s Practice! Complete the texture chart worksheet on your own. What texture do each of the percentages represent?

Soil Drainage Lab In each of your greenhouse groups… Materials: Three potting containers Three plastic cups Peat moss Organic Soil Regular planting soil Fill each container with equal amounts of soil and add 1 cups of water. Allow the containers to drain into the plastic cups for 10 minutes. Finally, Make your own Mix! Which groups is the best at retaining water!?!