Soil Portfolio By Tim Butterfield

What is soil? Soil is the medium in which crops are grown to feed human and other living things. It is also is a loose mixture of small minerals and organic material.

How is soil formed? Soil is formed when organic materials, inorganic materials, weathering, or/and worms help absorb rocks, leaves, waste, organic materials, and inorganic materials into the soil.

What are the three main types of particles in soil? The three main particles in soil are: 1.Sand- Sand is the largest type of particle in the soil. 2.Silt- Silt is not the biggest particle, but not the smallest particle in soil. 3.Clay- Clay is the smallest particle in soil. It is so small, you can’t see it using a microscope!

Why should we study soil? We should study soil because we might need to know what is the best type of soil in your yard, or what is in your soil.

What is a soil profile? A soil profile is something that shows and tells about the soil horizons.

How is each layer of the soil profile formed? The O horizon is formed when litter, such as leaves, absorbs into the soil. The A horizon is formed by decomposing plant and mineral material. The B horizon is formed when soil material that was leached out from the O and A horizons accumulates. The C horizon is formed by the parent material that was formed. Bedrock is the last layer.

Which horizon has the most organic material? The A horizon has the most organic material.

What is a soil scientist and what task do they perform? A soil scientist is someone who studies the affects of the environment, agricultural production, and human beings as it relates to soil and soil conservation. They test and monitor soil pollution, erosion, and how humans interact with soil.