1. What is the best soil for growing plants? Loam soil that is made of almost equal parts of clay, sand, and silt is the best. This texture is important so the plants do not  “Drown” for lack of air in clay soil or  Die from lack of water in sandy soil.

2. Soil Fertility Soil fertility: is the soil’s ability to hold nutrients and to supply nutrients to a plant. Some soils are rich in nutrients, some are poor in nutrients.

3. Soil texture is how the soil looks and feels. This depends on the size of the ___________. From largest to smallest, particles are made of: particles Gravel Sand Silt Clay Chunks and pebbles Small grains Fine, soft flakes Very fine powder

4. Soil texture depends on the size of individual particles. Gravel is largest Sand is next Followed by silt Clay is smallest

5. Soil Texture Continued Soil texture (particles that make it up) effects consistency & infiltration. Consistency: a soil’s ability to be worked and broken up for farming. Infiltration: is the ability of water to move through soil.

6. Soil Texture

7. Soil Structure Soil structure is the arrangement of soil particles. Can either prevent or help water and air pass through the soil.

8. Leaching

9. Leaching: water dissolves and carries nutrients and other substances from the topsoil through the horizons.