1. Introduction to Soil

2. Do Now List as many reasons you can think of why soil is important
Write down what you think the difference is between soil and dirt
List as many reasons you can think of why soil is important

3. Careers in Soil Science
Soil and Plant Scientists from Careers.org

4. SOIL
Traditional definition: Material which nourishes and supports growing plants; foundation of every living thing

5. Dirt
Soil out of place and unable to serve it’s purpose

6. Importance of Soil Foundation for roads and structures
Home to plants and animals
Grow things in it
Contains and filters water
Helps dispose of waste
Basis for recreation areas

7. Soils Perform Several Vital Functions
Sustaining plant and animal life below and above the surface
Regulating and partitioning water and solute flow
Filtering, buffering, degrading, immobilizing, and detoxifying
Storing and cycling nutrients
Providing support to structures

8. SOIL Mixture of mineral matter, organic matter, water, and air.
Properties of soil

9. SOIL COMPONENTS
Air 25%
Mineral Matter 45%
Water 25%
Organic Matter 5%

10. 3 Fractions of Mineral Matter
Sand
Silt
Clay

11. USDA Textural Triangle

12. Want to learn more about soil?
Visit NRCS’ website at the National Soil Survey Center at
We KNOW Soil!
Natural Resources
Conservation Service
Helping People Help the Land
Prepared by Earl D. Lockridge
National Soil Survey Center
Lincoln, NE
USDA NRCS ~ An equal opportunity provider and employer