Soil

______ is the type of soil used most often with plants and on farms. It is a mixture of clay, sand, and silt.

• loam

• humus

• silt

• dirt

When plants, animals, and other organisms die, they break down and become part of the soil. What is this part of the soil called?

• sand

• clay

• silt

• humus

Many plants cannot grow in sandy soil. Why is this true?

• Sandy soil does not hold enough water.

• Air cannot pass through sandy soil.

• Roots cannot easily push through sandy soil.

• Sandy soil has too many nutrients.

Water gets into the cracks of rock and freezes, causing the rock to break. What is this an example of?

• erosion

• weathering

Soil is made of

• weathered rocks and minerals

• dead plants and animals

• air and water

• all of the above

How would you describe the texture of "sandy" soil?

• sticky

• gritty

• smooth

• slimy

Which type of soil can hold the greatest amount of water?

• sand

• silt

• clay

• loam

Which soil retains the most water?

• soil 1

• soil 2

• soil 3

• soil 4

Which soil type supports plant growth the best?

• loam soil

• clay soil

• sandy soil

• silty soil

If soil particles are large, then

• more water is retained

• less water is retained