Soil and Its Properties Vocabualry

What is the top layer of the Earth's surface made up of minerals, organic matter, water, and air called?

• Humus

• Clay

• Soil

• Sand

Which type of soil has very small particles, is sticky when wet, and can hold a lot of water?

• Sand

• Clay

• Silt

• Loam

What is the process by which soil is worn away by wind, water, or other natural forces?

• Decomposition

• Erosion

• Permeability

• Soil Conservation

What is the term for the breakdown of organic matter into simpler substances, enriching the soil?

• Nutrients

• Compost

• Decomposition

• Humus

What is a mixture of sand, silt, and clay that is considered ideal for growing plants because of its balanced texture and nutrients?

• Loam

• Topsoil

• Subsoil

• Bedrock

What is the ability of soil to allow water to pass through it called?

• Soil Texture

• pH Level

• Permeability

• Water Retention

What is the solid layer of rock beneath soil layers that forms the Earth's crust called?

• Subsoil

• Bedrock

• Topsoil

• Compost

What is the measure of how acidic or alkaline soil is, affecting plant growth?

• Soil Texture

• pH Level

• Permeability

• Water Retention

What are substances that provide nourishment essential for plant growth, like nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium?

• Humus

• Nutrients

• Compost

• Organic Matter

What is the term for methods used to prevent soil erosion and maintain healthy soil, like planting trees or using cover crops?

• Soil Profile

• Soil Conservation

• Soil Texture

• Soil Erosion