Soil – The stuff of Life!

1. Soil – The stuff of Life! Starter – Think of as many things as you can that soil might contain. Sand particles, stones, clay particles, insects, water, chemicals, decaying plants, living plants, air!

2. 3 main types of soil Sandy Clay Loam • The differences are in the small particles that make up the soil. • Different soils behave in different ways and have different advantages and disadvantages.

3. It can be argued that no two soils are ever exactly alike. Although this is true, it is useful to group soils into categories To figure out what type of soil you have, there are several easy methods.  The first, called the rope test, requires that you squeeze a moist, but not muddy, one inch ball of soil in your hand. Then rub the soil between your fingers. Sandy soil feels gritty and loose. It won't form a ball and falls apart when rubbed between your fingers. Loam soil is smooth, slick, partially gritty and sticky and forms a ball that crumbles easily. It is a combination of sand and clay particles. Clay soil is smooth, sticky and somewhat plastic feeling. It forms ribbons when pressed between fingers. Clay soil requires more pressure to form a ball than loam soil, but does not crumble apart as easily.

4. Taking soil to pieces • A soil sample can be shaken up with some water in a beaker or jar and left to settle using a flocculating agent can be used. • This causes the particles that make up the soil to settle more quickly.

5. A soil section Its not the same the whole way down!!!! • Top layer – Plants • Middle – Soil • Lower – Compressed soil and rock