1. Soils

2. Soil Weathering and erosion transports materials across Earth’s surface Weathering and erosion transports materials across Earth’s surface The loose material covers most of Earth’s surface is a resource. The loose material covers most of Earth’s surface is a resource. Soil (not dirt) is a combination of weathered rock and organic material that can support plant life. Soil (not dirt) is a combination of weathered rock and organic material that can support plant life. Soil formation is a slow process. Soil formation is a slow process.

3. Soil Formation Parent material – the material weathered into soil Parent material – the material weathered into soil Residual Soil – Residual Soil – Soil that contains weathered material that matches the local bedrock Soil that contains weathered material that matches the local bedrock The local bedrock was weathered in place and turned into soil. (Remember this is a very slow process) The local bedrock was weathered in place and turned into soil. (Remember this is a very slow process) Transported Soil Transported Soil Soil that contains weathered material that is different from the local bedrock. Soil that contains weathered material that is different from the local bedrock. The rock material needed to make the soil was ‘transported’ (wind, water, glaciers) The rock material needed to make the soil was ‘transported’ (wind, water, glaciers) NYS is mostly covered in transported soil NYS is mostly covered in transported soil

4. Soil Profiles The ‘ideal’ soil profile is composed of 4 layers The ‘ideal’ soil profile is composed of 4 layers O - organic O - organic A - leaching A - leaching B - accumulation B - accumulation C – weathered parent material C – weathered parent material

5. Soil Profiles

6. Types of Soil There are many different soils that are formed under unique conditions There are many different soils that are formed under unique conditions Soil composition – Soil composition – Inorganic material sand, silt, clay. Inorganic material sand, silt, clay. This material affects the amount of water within soil This material affects the amount of water within soil sand dries out fast, clayey soil dries slower. sand dries out fast, clayey soil dries slower.

8. Soil Classification Different conditions lead to different soil types.

9. Factors that influence Soil Development Time Time Parent Material Parent Material Plants and animals Plants and animals Topography (slope) Topography (slope) Climate Climate

10. Some Soil Photos

12. New YorkTennessee

13. South Dakota

14. California

15. Houston, TXNorth East US

16. Northeast woodland

17. Tropical Soils: Very thick B layer

19. England

20. Desert Soil

21. Hawaii Soil