SOIL THE LOOSE SURFACE LAYER OF THE EARTH BY: DYLAN PAULUS

A FEW FACTS ABOUT SOIL Scientists have discovered over 70,000 types of soil in the United States alone Soil is formed from rocks and decaying plants and animals Insects and animals help aerate the soil by digging holes, making the top layer of soil richer

Types of Soil include: Clay Sand Peat

What is Clay Soil? oClay is made up of fine, grainy particles oIt is sticky and flexible when it’s wet, but is very hard when it is dry oClay drains slowly and poorly oClay that has poor quality is usually blue or brown oClay that has good quality is usually red oTo ensure proper growth of vegetation, aeration and fertilization are necessary

Sandy Soil is: Made of large particles of limestone, quartz and shaleMade of large particles of limestone, quartz and shale Gritty and rough texturedGritty and rough textured Found mostly in the desert and by the oceanFound mostly in the desert and by the ocean Unable to clump up, falls apart in your handUnable to clump up, falls apart in your hand Poor in nutrients because the water washes them awayPoor in nutrients because the water washes them away Able to grow grasses and plants that retain their own water such as the cactus family, Juniper, Yucca and Clover BushAble to grow grasses and plants that retain their own water such as the cactus family, Juniper, Yucca and Clover Bush

Facts about Peat Soil  Peat is made up of leaves, grasses and other natural remains  It is soft and squishy  The acidity of the soil keeps peat from decomposing  It retains water, making it very wet  Fungus such as mushrooms grow in peat soil  Gardeners often add peat to other types of soil to improve water retention  Peat can be bought in a bag at stores such as Home Depot or Lowe’s or found by rivers, swamps, marshes and creeks

So what’s the big deal about soil? All life needs soilAll life needs soil It is a very important part of the environmentIt is a very important part of the environment Without soil, plants could not grow and all animals and humans that eat plants would not have anything to eatWithout soil, plants could not grow and all animals and humans that eat plants would not have anything to eat Soil covers the earth and give us a foundation for buildingsSoil covers the earth and give us a foundation for buildings Soil gives us a place to play football, baseball, soccer and anything else we want to play with our fee1t on the groundSoil gives us a place to play football, baseball, soccer and anything else we want to play with our fee1t on the ground