1. Soils and Soil Testing
…it’s not just dirt

4. Soil and Plants Soil supports plant life
Plants are producers (autotrophs, which make their own food)
Animals get their energy from plants or from animals that eat plant
So, food ultimately depends on soil

5. So, food ultimately depends on the soil
Animals get their energy from plants or from animals that eat plants
Plants are producers (autotrophs, which make their own food)
Soil supports plant life

6. What is soil? Soil is a mixture of living and nonliving materials
Formation of soil depends on the “parent material” – rocks that have broken down, climate, and land topography – the shape of the land
Organic matter in soil is living things that have broken down Ex. leaves, microscopic organisms

7. What is soil?
Soil is a mixture of different materials that have different sizes:
Sand – large, gritty
Silt – small particles with a dry, silky feel
Clay – smallest, sticky material that dries into a hardened material

8. Soil Nutrients and conditions needed for plant growth
Nitrogen functions
Keeps leaves green
Used rapidly by plants
Nitrogen fertization is used extensively in agriculture
Nitrogen is found in the air and soil
Phosphorus functions
Storage and production of energy for plant growth
Enhanced flower beauty

9. Soil Nutrients and conditions needed for plant growth
Potassium (Potash)
Strengthens plant cells, and so makes the plants stronger
Aids plant survival
Available in only small amounts in soil
Acidity – pH
Plants “prefer” certain acidic or basic conditions that promote growth
pH can be adjusted to improve soil conditions