Soil

TOPSOIL: -Holds a lot of nutrients -Dark brown or black in colour SUBSOIL: - Holds some nutrients - Lighter in colour PARENT MATERIAL: - Large rocks that break down to make the soil in the upper layers

Soil has four main parts: 1.Minerals – Important for plant growth 2.Bacteria and Organic Materials – Provides nutrients for plants 3.Air – Plants need air spaces around their roots to survive 4.Moisture – Plants absorb water from the soil through their roots Components of Soil

Soil Processes Leaching: Occurs when nutrients are quickly washed downward when there is a lot of rainfall.

Soil Processes Calcification: Dry conditions cause water to move upward through soil and evaporate from surface. This leaves minerals, primarily calcium, at the surface which makes it difficult for plants to grow.