What is soil?
Soil forms on earth’s surface where plants grow. Soil consists of
rocks, sand, clay, dead plants, animal remains, and fungi.
Soil contains small
creatures such as
earthworms that
turn plant and
animal materials
into nutrients.
Earthworms also dig
through the soil
which loosens it so
plants grow better.
How is soil formed?
It can take up to a
1000 years for an
inch of soil to form.
Soil is formed from
the weathering of
rocks. Rock is broken
up by ice, frost,
wind, and water.
Why is soil Important?
Soil plays a an important role to life on earth.
The soil helps to clean our Plant also need soil to Soil releases gases such as
water acting as a filter. grow by getting nutrients. carbon dioxide into the air.
4 Types of Soil
There are four types of soil – clay, silt, sand, and loam. The most
important properties of soil is texture because texture is a
measure of whether the soil is more like sand, silt, clay, or loam.
Sand Clay
Silt Loam
Soil Type: Sandy
• The largest particle found in
soil
• When you rub it, it feels
rough and gritty.
• Does not contain many
nutrients
• Good for providing drainage
Soil Type: Silty
• Smooth to the touch
• When you roll it between
your fingers, dirt is left on
your skin.
• Retains water longer
• Fairly fertile
• Cold and drains poorly
Soil Type: Clay
• Smallest particles found in
soil
• Good water storage
• Sticky when wet, smooth
when dry
• Rich in plant food for better
growth
• In the summer, it could turn
hard and compact
Soil Type: loam
• Contains a good mix of the
three soil material – silt,
sand, and clay
• The best soil for growing
plants
• Dark color, soft, dry, and
crumbly
• Has a tight hold on water but
drains well
Who studies soil?
A scientists who studies soil is called a Pedologist. They look at
different types of soils and find ways to make it healthy.
Soil Layers
Humus (O)
Topsoil (A) Soil is made
layers often up of many
called horiz
Each layer h ons.
Subsoil (B) a s its own
characteris
tics that pla
very impor ya
tant role in
Parent Material (C) the soil is u what
sed for and
it is importa why
horizons to nt. Put the
Bedrock (R)
gether and
form a soil they
profile.
Humus (O Horizon)
Humus is the top layer of
soil that is made up of living
and decomposed materials
such as leaves, plants, and
bugs. This is also known as
the organic layer.
Topsoil (A Horizon)
This layer is made up of
minerals and decomposed
organic matter. It is fairly
thin (5-10 in. thick). This is
the primary layer where
plants and organisms live.
Subsoil (B Horizon)
This layer is made of clay,
iron, and organic matter.
Parent Material
(C Horizon)
This layer is made up mostly
of large rocks. Plant roots
are not found in this layer. It
is called parent material
because the upper layers
developed from this layer.
Bedrock (R Horizon)
This layer consists of mass of
rock such as granite, basalt,
quartzite, limestone, or
sandstone. This is not soil.
The bottom layer is several
feet below the surface.
Fun Fact
A small patch of soil (just 1 square yard or 9 feet) can
hold billions of living things such as insects, spiders,
worms, fungi, and bacteria.
