Do Now: What processes creates the small rocks in soil? Describe what else you can find in soil. AIM: What is Soil?

I. Parts of Earth’s Crust Solid layer of rock below the soil. Known as the Parent Material Physical and Chemical weathering break down the bedrock into pieces and chunks The most weathered material rich with minerals, nutrients and organic matter

II. Soil Formation Transported Soil - comes from another place and was brought to the areas by erosion. Residual Soil - created in the area by weathering of the parent material (bedrock) Long Island has transported soils from Canada and the New England areas. It was brought here by glaciers 20,000 and 30,000 years ago.

Other factors effect soil formation: a)Time – Thicker soils indicate more weathering has occurred and the soil is older. b)Parent Material – the mineral composition of the soil is determined by the bedrock underneath. c)Climate – rainfall will determine the amount of weathering and erosion of soil.

III. Soil Texture refers to the size of the particles and the amount of moisture. indicates if soil is physically or chemically weathered and the climate. Determine which soil is drier? More suitable for plants? Composed of more sand? Chemically Weathered? Physically weathered? ABCABC

IV. Soil Composition Mineral matter (parent rock) Humus: material that comes from organisms (organic) Water Air

V. Soil Profile Layers of soil are called Horizons and each has it’s own characteristics Horizon’s A- Mineral matter and organic matter (topsoil) B- Mineral matter some organic (plant roots) (subsoil) C- Partially weathered parent material (broken rock)

Closure: Obtain a “Soil” worksheet and complete it with your partner sitting next to you. Will go over it if there is remaining time if not we will go over it tomorrow.