Earth’s Changing Surface Soils Earth’s Changing Surface

Review Weathering – breaks down rock Mechanical Chemical Erosion – removes the rock particles

What is soil? The loose, weathered material on Earth’s surface in which plants can grow.

Soil Bedrock - the solid layers of rock beneath soil.

Soil Composition Mixture of rock particles, minerals, decayed organic material, water, and air Humus – decayed organic material in soil

Soil Fertility of Soil – measures how well the soil supports plan growth. Rich in humus has high fertility Why does fertility of soil matter?

Soil Texture What does soil feel like? Sand feels coarse and grainy Clay feels smooth and silky Soil texture depends on the size of soil particles.

Soil Particle size Clay Silt Sand Gravel Less than 1/256 mm 2 mm and larger

Loam Soil that is made up of about equal parts of clay, sand, and silt is called loam.

Soil Formation Forms as rock is broken down by weathering and mixes with other materials on the surface.

Soil Formation Soil Horizons A layer of soil that differs in color and texture from the layers above or below it.

Soil Horizons

A Horizon Topsoil – a crumbly, dark brown soil that is a mixture of humus, clay, and other minerals. Develops as plants add organic material to soil and plants weather rock.

B Horizon Subsoil – clay and other particles washed down from the A horizon, but little humus.

Soil Types Thousands of different types of soil in U.S. alone Classified based on climate, plants, and soil composition.

Living Organisms in Soil Some soil organisms make humus Some soil organisms mix the soil and make spaces in it for air and water.