S6E5h - Soil Formation

__________ is a loose mixture of rock fragments, organic matter, water, and air that can support the growth of vegetation.

• Clay

• Soil

• Dirt

• Pebbles

_________ decompose dead animals and plants, returning nutrients to the soil.

• Microorganisms

• Sunlight

• Winds

• Animals

The rate of soil development depends on these main factors:

• Rock type

• Climate

• Topography

• Organisms

• Gravity

_______ is dark, organic material formed in soil from the decayed remains of plants and animals.

• Humus

• Dirt

• Clay

• Slate

A soil _______ is a distinct layer of soil.

• Profile

• Horizon

• Color

• Description

A typical soil profile, from top to bottom, has an __ horizon containing humus, a __ horizon containing leached materials and little to no humus, and a __ horizon of partially weathered parent rock.

Soils differ in ___________________

• Texture

• Color

• Chemistry

• Pore space

• Fertility

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS1-5

T/F: Relative amounts of sand, silt, and clay determine soil texture.

• True

• False

Soil __ tells how acidic or basic soil is.

• pH

• Smell

• Taste

• Color

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS1-5

NGSS.MS-LS2-1

_________ describes spaces between soil particles.

• Pore space

• Smell

• Fertility

• Depth