Soil ES SOL 8a

DEFINE SOIL - Your Definition SOL Definition Soil is formed from the weathering of rocks and organic activity and is composed of loose rock fragments and clay derived from weathered rock mixed with organic material.

Soil Formation PAGE 167 DESCRIBE SKETCH

Soil Profile LEACHING

Soil and Climate Tropical Climates – humid and a lot of rain Soils are very good for growing plants Lot of humus (20%-30%) However, lots of rain leaches the material downward and create a very thin soil. Any removal of vegetation will cause topsoil to erode away and be lost.

Soil and Climate Desert Climates – very dry Low rate of chemical weathering. Water moving through the ground will evaporate as it reaches the surface leaving “salts” behind. Too much salt is toxic to plants. Salt Flats

Soil and Climates Temperate Climates – “us” – both chemical and mechanical weathering occur. Not enough rain to leach out nutrients so you have thick fertile soils. Breadbasket – able to grow wide variety of plants.

Soil and Climates Arctic Climate – much like desert climates, arctic areas can have very little precipitation. “Cold Deserts” Less chemical weathering and slow soil development. Very few plants can survive in this environment.

Soil Conservation Soil Conservation – the various methods used to take care of the soil. Importance of soil Plant Health – better soil = better plants Housing – burrowing creatures live there. Storage – soil holds water

Soil Texture Triangle Sand > 0.05 mm Silt > 0.002 mm 40% Silt – 40% Sand – 20% Clay = LOAM Sand > 0.05 mm Silt > 0.002 mm Clay < 0.002 mm Grain Size Analysis Sieve Analysis