1. 5.1 - Introduction to Soil Systems - TASK 1
by...

2. BEFORE YOU START... Save this document with the name “5.1 – yourname”
Upload it to the folder Ms. McCrindle shared with you
Complete your progress in this uploaded folder, NOT the one you saved to yourselves. Ms. McCrindle needs access to monitor progress / assess the work.

3. TASK 1 Instructions
You are required to work through each of the slides, and give as much detail as possible.
The best way to learn throughout this task will be:
Use pictures.
Use your own words! (research, but read and then rewrite)
See the sample of completed assignment on to help guide you. Do not copy off the posted completed assignment.
You should aim to finish Task 1 by February 11th.

4. Video Introduction
Watch this video introduction into the importance of soil, and the issue of soil degradation.

5. Explain what you understand by this diagram.

6. What is soil? Explain how soil is made up of the following aspects:
ROCK PARTICLES
HUMUS
WATER
AIR
SOIL ORGANISMS

7. HORIZONS Label this diagram and describe each layer.
Relate the diagram to the key words:
Translocation
Salinisation
Leaching

8. SOIL TRIANGLES Explain how to read this diagram.
State which soils are the most desirable for agriculture and why.

9. Explain the importance of Soil Porosity and Permeability.

10. SOIL SUSTAINABILITY Explain why soil is a non-renewable resource.
Explain the importance of nitrates, phosphates and potassium (NPK) and how they can be replaced in soils.

11. Using what you have learnt...
Explain why the crop yield on a farm may consistently decrease over a ten year period whether fertilisers are used or not.
(p243 of should help)