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4 Earth's Surface
Properties of Soil TEK 4.7A
| Term | Definition |
|---|---|
| Clay | Soil that is comprised of very fine mineral particles and not much organic material. |
| Humus | Dark, organic material that forms in soil when plant and animal matter decays. |
| Loam | Rich, crumbly soil with nearly equal parts of sand and silt, and somewhat less clay. It holds water well and is perfect for growing plants. |
| Silt | A solid, dust-like sediment made up of rock and mineral particles that are larger than clay but smaller than sand. |
| Topsoil | The upper, outermost layer of soil, usually the top 5–10 inches |
| Components of Soil | Rocks, air, water, and dead matter. |
| Decompose | The process by which dead organic substances are broken down |
| Gravel | Rounded rock fragments coarser than sand. |
| Nutrient | A substance that provides nourishment essential for growth and the maintenance of life. |
| Particle | A tiny or very small bit. |
| Properties of Soil | How we describe soil: color, texture*, ability to retain water*, supports growth, particle size |
| Retain | Absorb and continue to hold. |
| Texture | The feel, appearance, or consistency of a surface or substance. |