2. One of Soil’s Properties Color By Janice Klein

3. Temperate Regions Brownish-Black Soil This is an Iowa soil, brownish-black in color This is an Iowa soil, brownish-black in color In temperate regions, dark colors indicate considerable organic matter In temperate regions, dark colors indicate considerable organic matter Iowa soils are considered some of the best soils in the world to plant in because they are rich in organic matter Iowa soils are considered some of the best soils in the world to plant in because they are rich in organic matter Copyright © Lynn Betts NRCS

4. Brownish-Black Soil If brownish-black soils are found in the lower horizons of the soil, this indicates poor drainage of water.

5. Dark Colored Soils of Volcanic Origin Some dark colored soils of volcanic origin are dark because their source material is basaltic rock, so this dark color does not indicate organic matter. This Hawaiian soil is brown- red because the volcanic basaltic rock which formed the soil contains iron. Decaying vegetation also adds to this dark color. Copyright © Carla W. Montgomery

6. Red and Yellow Soils Red and yellow soils get their color from the presence of iron oxides Red and yellow soils get their color from the presence of iron oxides These colors indicate good drainage and aeration These colors indicate good drainage and aeration Soils get more red and yellow as we travel from cool regions toward the equator Soils get more red and yellow as we travel from cool regions toward the equator Some soils get their red color from red lava source material Some soils get their red color from red lava source material Tennessee Soil Copyright © NRCS

7. Grayish Soils Grayish soils indicate soil that is permanently water saturated. In fact, poorly drained soils are often mottled with various shades of gray, yellow, and brown. This photo shows an Illinois soil which contains lots of clay. Copyright © NRCS

8. Remember, soil is a combination of inorganic minerals, organic material, bacteria, fungi, plants, animals, air, and water existing in a dynamic and living system that provides support and nutrients for plants. Soil is NOT dirt!!!