Soil! By: Oksanna Loya

Soil! Soil is a thin layer ontop of most of the Earth’s land surface. This thin layer is a basic natural resource which deeply affects every other part of the ecosystem. Soils are composed of three main ingredients: minerals of different sizes, organic materials from the remains of dead plants and animals, and open space that can be filled with water or air.

Soil components All ingredients making soil.

Soil Components Contd. Clay- very fine particles. Compacts easily. Forms large, dense clumps when wet. Gravel- Coarse particles. Consists of rock fragments. Loam- About equal mixtures of clay, snad, silt, and humus. Sand- Sedimentary Material coarser than silt. Silt- sedimentary material consisting of very fine particles.

Factors of Soil! Parent Materials- the rock and minerals from which the soil derives. Climate- measured by precipitation and temperature. Living Organisms- Includes many things from fungi, to worms that can help decompose litter. Topography- physical characteristics of the location of the soil.

Soil Pathways

Soil Horizons or Layers

Soil Food Web

Organic vs. Inorganic Fertilizers Organic-Three common forms: animal manure, green manure, and compost. Helps prevent erosion of soil. Inorganic- Does not add humus to soil, resulting in less ability to hold water. Supplies only a limited number of nutrients.

2 External Links and Video link! http://www.kidsgeo.com/geology-for-kids/0009-components-of-soil.php http://www.epa.gov/gmpo/edresources/soil.html http://youtu.be/uS7zfeK4OTQ

Review Questions! 1. What components make up soil? A- air, water, rock, minerals B- wind, air, water, rock C- air, water, organic matter, minerals

Review Questions! 1. C

Review Questions! 2. What type of layer is soil on earth? A-Thick B-Thin

Review Questions! 2. B

Review Questions! 3. What is clay? A- Coarse Particles B- Sedimentary Material C- Very fine particles C

Review Questions! 3. C

Review Questions! What is Gravel? A- Very fine particles B- equal mixtures of clay, sand and silt. C- Coarse particles

Review Questions! 4. C

Review Questions! What is Loam? A- Very fine particles B- equal mixtures of clay, sand, and silt C- Sedimentary material

Review Questions! 5. B