Transcript Soil - ABCTeach

Soil
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LIVING ON PLANET EARTH
Soil
Soil, is made from rocks
that have broken apart
or worn away over many
years. It also contains
air, water, and humus-the decayed remains of
dead plants and animals.
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Most soils contain living animals that
mix air into the soil as they move
about, and fungi, protozoa and
bacteria that break nutrients and
minerals down into very small pieces.
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Water also plays an important role in making soil.
It transports pieces of rock, flaked off minerals,
and humus to other locations.
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As water passes through the soil it dissolves the
minerals and nutrients that will be absorbed by the
roots of plants.
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All of these activities and elements help
create soils in which plants will do their
best to germinate and grow.
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Soil has 5 main
parts. They are:
o
o
o
o
o
Gravel
Sand
Silt
Clay
Humus
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Gravel
Visible rock particles each containing several minerals.
Gravel sizes range from 2 mm up to 64 mm.
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Sand
Individual grains of mineral particles. It drains water
very quickly. Sand sizes range from 0.006 millimeters
to 2.00 millimeters.
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Silt
Fine grains or tiny pieces of rock. Silt makes mud when
water is added. Silt sizes range from 0.004 millimeters
to 0.006 millimeters.
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Clay
A soil that holds water. Clay feels slippery and
slimy, and it compacts tightly when it is wet.
Particles are smaller than 0.004 millimeters.
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Humus
A dark, moist composition of dead, rotting insects, animals,
leaves, roots, sticks, and food. Humus adds nutrients to the
soil. Composting is a process that produces humus.
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Plants Need Soil
Plants have adapted to grow in a variety of
soils and climates throughout the world.
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For instance, some species
are better adapted to live
in sandy soils, while
others prefer rich, dense
top soils or environments
frequently saturated with
water.
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Wild plants depend upon nature
to provide them with nutrients,
water and light. Quite often,
plants are unable to germinate or
to live very long lives because
conditions are too harsh.
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Agriculture
Plants grown by gardeners and farmers have an advantage
because people have studied plant species and are able to
deliver much of what a plant needs when it needs it.
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Successful growers have learned how to provide their
plants with quality environments.
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They prepare the soils with compost and
fertilizer so that each species has the
proper nutrition.
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They provide proper
drainage and monitor
the amount of moisture
so that the roots are
healthy and able to
deliver water to the
leaves. They place the
plant in areas that give
an appropriate amount
of light for the species.
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They control disease and animal infestation. In the end,
they are rewarded with plants that photosynthesize,
grow and produce flowers, seeds, fruits and nuts for
people and animals to eat.
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Soil
You can help to improve the quality of soil and water
in your community by properly disposing of hazardous
materials, and by contributing to recycling and
composting efforts.
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Soil
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