1. The Fabulous World of Soil Soil What is it? What is it made of?

2. Soils Definition: Thin layers of loose material and organic materials that support plant growth. 1

3. They result from 2 processes: 1) Parent Material – results from weathered rock material 2) Organic Material – results from decay of plants, trees, animals and insects. 2

4. Soils have a wide variety of characteristics: A) color B) structure C) texture D) chemicals E) biological F) mineral processes 3

5. Climate as a major factor Climate has a major factor on determining the type of soil you have in an area/ecozone. The sun, amount of moisture, wind and natural vegetation all help determine what kind of soil it is. 4

6. What is soil ? A self renewing complex of living materials – rock particles combined with Organic material, living organisms, air and moisture…. It is essential to life on earth, the soil’s capability to support that life can be destroyed by improper care. Question: Is soil a renewable resource? 5

7. A typical soil profile The A horizon contains Humus (organic materials) and is an average of 6” deep The B horizon is the ‘subsoil’ The C horizon is mainly “Parent Material” The D horizon is mainly Bedrock D horizon 7

9. Soil examples: Chernozem soils – “Black Earth” in Russian. ◦ They are grassland soils ◦ Black is the most fertile and light brown is the least fertile. Podzol soils – are found in most Forest environments and results from excessive leaching…. 7

10. 2 Important terms… Leaching – is a process where nutrients in the soil are washed out because of too much water movement. If you add too much water and the water drains out of the soil, it takes the nutrients with it. OR 8

11. Calcification/Salinization – ◦ The result of mineral salts being left on the topsoil due to excessive evaporation often due to heat. ◦ Example: Desert Soils 9

12. Factors in Soil Formation: 1) Water Action 2) Air and Temperature 3) Plants (root systems) 4) Animals 5) Chemical Action 10