Surface of the Earth - Soil types Topic 15)
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Key Words: Microscope
An instrument that makes small things appear much bigger
Key Words: Coarse grains
Large soil grains
Key Words: Fine grains
Very small soil grains
Key Words: Soil grains
Small pieces of broken rock
Key Words: Humus
Dark material in the soil made of the fully decomposed remains of plants and animals
Key Words: Eroded soil
Soil that has been washed or blown away
List the following types of soil in order from roughest to smoothest: Sand Clay Loam
• Sand • Loam • Clay
What does clay feel like?
Smooth
Why does clay feel smooth?
Because it is made up of very fine particles
What is loam?
Equal parts clay - sand - other grains
Why is humus important?
It provides lots of nutrients for the plants.
Water and wind can cause the fertile soil to be removed. This process is called….
Erosion
Soil can hold (1)…. and (2)…. between the space of its grains
• Air 2. Water
Water passes more easily through which kind of soil?
Sandy
Does sandy soil have large or small grains?
Large
What do we add to sand to make plants grow better?
Compost
Why do plants like loamy soil?
Because loamy soil doesn’t get too wet or too dry.
How do the dead leaves and plants get broken down?
By small animals like earth worms, termites, crickets and spiders moving around.
Name one other way that small animals help the soil?
As they move around They open small spaces for more and and water in the soil. This makes it easier for plants to grow.
How do dead plants and animals decompose?
Very tiny organisms eat the dead plants and animals
Why must farmers protect the soil?
Because it takes thousands of years for soil to form.
How can topsoil be lost?
It can be washed away by water Blown away by wind
What do we call the process of topsoil being lost?
Erosion
Why is loamy soil dark?
Because it has humus in it.