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Weathering 3
6th Grade Science: Unit 7 - Soil Formation & Conservation
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| What is the definition of soil? | a complex mixture of small rock fragments, organic material, minerals, air, and water that forms on the Earth's surface |
| What is the rock called that soil comes from? | parent material |
| How long does it take to form soil? | very long period of time |
| What lives in soil? | microorganisms like bacteria and fungi, as well as animals like earthworms, insects |
| What is humus? | dark, organic material in soil formed from the decomposition of plant and animal matter |
| Where is humus located in the soil? | the topsoil |
| What animals live in soil? | earthworms, insects, nematodes, moles, and other invertebrates |
| What do animals do to the soil? | Burrowing animals, such as earthworms, create channels and pores in the soil, improving drainage and aeration. Their activity also helps to mix soil layers and incorporates organic matter. |
| What four factors determine how long it takes for soils to form? | (1) parent material / rock type (2) climate / temperature and precipitation (3) topography / shape and slope of the land (4) organisms / plant and animal life through decomposition, aeration, and nutritional cycling |
| What does the rate of weathering of rock depend on? | (1) rock type (some rocks weather faster than others due to their mineral composition) and (2) climate (warm moist climates promote chemical weathering, while cold dry climates promote physical weathering) |
| What kind of climate breaks down rock the fastest? | cold dry climates promote physical weathering |
| Where do soils usually develop faster? | warm moist climates promote chemical weathering |
| How would soil develop without plants and animals? | decomposition of organic matter would also be slower, leading to less humus formation and slower soil development. |
| What is a soil profile? | a vertical section of soil that shows the different layers or horizons |
| What is the soil horizon? | distinct layers or layers of soil within a soil profile |
| What are the three main horizons? | (1) A Horizon, (2) B Horizon and (3) C Horizon |
| What is located in the A horizon? | the topsoil, a layer rich in organic matter and where most plant roots are found |
| What is located in the B horizon? | the subsoil, located below the A horizon. It's where minerals and other materials leach down from the A horizon and accumulate |
| What is or not located in the C horizon? | the parent material, the layer of bedrock or weathered bedrock from which the soil is derived |
| What are 5 properties of soil? | (1) texture, (2) structure, (3) color, (4) porosity / pore space, and (5) composition |
| What is soil texture? | the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay particles |
| What are the three soil particles found in soil? | sand, silt, and clay particles |
| Which soil particles are the largest to the smallest? | sand, silt, and clay particles |
| What does it mean if soil is dark in color? | indicates a higher level of organic matter |
| What does it mean if soil is grey? | indicator of poor drainage or waterlogging, which can be detrimental to plant health |
| What do scientist use to describe soil color? | Munsell Soil Color Chart to accurately classify and describe soil color |
| What does the pH of soil mean? | a measure of the acidity or alkalinity of the soil solution, the water within the soil pores. It's expressed on a pH scale from 0 to 14, with 7 being neutral. Values below 7 are acidic, and values above 7 are alkaline. |
| Give an example of when plants grow the best. | Most plants thrive in a slightly acidic to neutral pH range, typically between 6.0 and 7.0. This is the range where most essential nutrients for plant growth are most readily available in a form that plants can absorb |
| What can farmers do if soil is too acidic? | add lime to raise the pH |
| What is pore space? | the network of voids or openings within soil that are not occupied by solid particles. These spaces allow for the passage of air and water, which is crucial for plant root growth and nutrient uptake. |
| What is found in pore space of soils? | filled with air, water, and various other components. It also contains a diverse community of microorganisms, including bacteria, fungi, and protozoa, |
| Do plants need water and air to grow? | yes |
| What is soil fertility? | a soil's capacity to support plant growth by providing essential nutrients and a suitable environment |
| What 5 factors affect the soil fertility? | (1) physical factors (like texture and structure), (2) chemical factors (like pH and nutrient availability), (3) biological factors (like organic matter and microbes), (4) water holding capacity, and (5) aeration |
| Where are most fertile soils found? | in alluvial plains, river basins, and areas with significant glacial deposits |
| Where do the rock and mineral fragments in soil come from? | erosion and weathering |
| Name 3 reasons why soil is important | (1) supporting plant life (essential for food production), (2) regulating the water cycle (soil filters and retains water, prevents runoff and floods, and regulates the amount of water available to plants and animals), and maintaining biodiversity (home to microorganisms and other organisms, playing a crucial role in nutrient cycling and overall ecosystem health) |
| Name 3 ways soil can damage | (1) erosion (can remove topsoil, reducing fertility and damaging ecosystem), (2) compaction (makes it less porous and impacting water infiltration, aeration, and root growth), and (3) contamination (chemical pollutants make it unsafe for plant growth and harming wildlife) |
| What is soil conservation | practices to protect and manage soil resources, preventing erosion and maintaining fertility |
| What is contour plowing | cultivating land along the contours of the land, reducing erosion by slowing water runoff |
| What is strip cropping | alternates different crops in strips to further reduce erosion and improve soil health |
| What is terracing | creating level platforms (terraces) on sloping land to cultivate crops, essentially turning hills into arable land. This helps prevent soil erosion and water runoff. |
| What is crop rotation | planting different crops on the same field in a planned sequence over time. It helps maintain soil fertility, reduce pest and weed problems, and can improve overall crop health. |
| What is no-till farming | involves planting crops without disturbing the soil through plowing. This minimizes soil erosion, improves water infiltration, and can enhance soil health. |
| What is cover crop | crops grown primarily to protect and enrich the soil rather than for harvest. They help with erosion control, improve soil structure, suppress weeds, and can even fix nitrogen in the soil. |
| What scientist developed new crops and farming methods that helped to restore soil fertility in the South? | George Washington Carver |
| What crops help make the soil fertile again? | use of nitrogen-fixing legumes like peanuts, soybeans, and sweet potatoes |
Created by:
Engle Family
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