1. Soil
ES SOL 8a

2. 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.

3. Soil Formation
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DESCRIBE
SKETCH

4. Soil Profile
LEACHING

5. 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.

6. 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

7. 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.

8. 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.

9. 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

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