Soil and Plant Growth Lesson

​Soils

The last lesson...time to review what we learned​

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​Soils

soil – mixture of rock, plant, and animal remains and minerals; dirt

​​clay – thick, heavy, and sticky soil made of tiny pieces of minerals

sand - the very tiny, loose pieces of rock that cover beaches, deserts, etc.

silt - is a grey, silky smooth soil made of small particles from flooded river sediment rich in nutrients and minerals for plant growth. 

loam - a soil having the appropriate amount of silt, clay, and sand for good plant growth

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​component of soil not a soil

humus – decayed plant and animal remains component of soil

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​Properties of Soils

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retain – to hold within, as soil does with water

particle size- how small or large the space between soil is.

​texture – what the surface or body looks and feels like

color- what you observe, what color the soil is

ability to support plant growth- what makes the soil perfect for growing a specific plant. Will the soil be able to support plant growth?​

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Fill in the Blanks

A science class is outside investigating soils. Sally got to touch different soils between her fingers. What soil property is she observing?

Open Ended

Knowing soil texture is important for knowing how soil feels, but what is another good reason its important to feel the soil before you decide to start planting?

​Colors of soils

Open Ended

Why are soils different colors?

​Water Retention or capacity to retain water

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Draw

In an activity, students measured how much water was held by different soil

   types.  Each pot had 100 milliliters of water poured into it.

According to the table, which material (soil type) absorbed the most water?

Draw

In an activity, students measured how much water was held by different soil

   types.  Each pot had 100 milliliters of water poured into it.

According to the table, which material (soil type) absorbed the least amount of water?

​Plant Growth

​Why is it important to know which soil to use for specific plants?

Why can't we plant a cactus in loam soil?

Why can't we plant a pecan tree in the desert?​

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Specific soils support different plants. If we use the wrong soil, we won't grow our plants.

That's why farmers have to use the correct soil to plant their vegetables. If they didn't we would't have the nutritious food we have now.​

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Open Ended

What are some reasons this soil won't support the growth of plants?

​Particle Size

​Why is it important?

​The smaller the particle size the more water it retains.

-Less water drips​

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The larger the particle size the less water it retains.

-more water drips​

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​Don't get these confused!

Open Ended

Which soil has the second largest particle size?

Gravel

Sand

Silt

Clay

​The End....or is it?

Concept Quiz over soils This Friday!!!

11/11/22​

You will do great!​