Soil

Key Notes:

What is Soil?

• Soil is the top layer of the Earth where plants grow.
• It is made up of tiny pieces of rocks, minerals, and organic matter (dead plants and animals).

How is Soil Formed?

• Soil is formed over a long time when rocks break into small pieces due to wind, water, and temperature changes.
• This process is called weathering.

Layers of Soil:

• Topsoil: The top layer, rich in nutrients, where plants grow.
• Subsoil: Below topsoil, has fewer nutrients but contains minerals.
• Bedrock: The bottom layer made of solid rock.

Types of Soil:

• Sandy Soil: Feels rough and does not hold water well.
• Clay Soil: Feels sticky, holds water, but drains slowly.
• Loamy Soil: A mix of sand, clay, and organic matter; best for growing plants.

Importance of Soil:

• Provides a home for plants and animals.
• Helps plants grow by supplying nutrients and water.
• Stores water for plants and animals.

Living Things in Soil:

• Many organisms live in soil, such as earthworms, ants, and bacteria.
• These organisms help make the soil healthy.

Uses of Soil:

• Growing crops for food.
• Making bricks and pottery.
• Filtering water.

Caring for Soil:

• Do not waste water to avoid washing soil away.
• Avoid cutting too many trees, as tree roots hold soil in place.
• Add compost to soil to make it more fertile.

Fun Fact:

• It takes hundreds of years to form just 1 inch of topsoil!