Introduction to Soil
Soil is a vital part of our environment and life. It is not just dirt; it is a complex and dynamic system that supports plants, animals, and even humans! Let’s explore what soil means to you and why it is so important.
Activity 1: Personal Connection to Soil
a) Make a list of six words related to soil.
b) Compare your list with a partner. Are they different? If so, how?
c) Write a definition of soil.
Activity 2: Understanding Soil Profiles
a) What is a soil profile?
b) Draw your own diagram of the profile, labelling the five layers.
c) The textboxes in Diagram C provide descriptions for each layer. Add each one to the correct layer in your diagram.
d) How do organisms like worms help develop the soil?
e) How is the bedrock layer weathered?
Activity 3: Different Perspectives on Soil Use
a) Look carefully at images D-J and the numbered speech bubbles. Match the speech bubble points of view with the people in images D-J.
b) Justify your choice in each case.
c) Two speech bubbles provide conflicting views about the use of chemical fertilisers to grow crops. Explain why they disagree.
Activity 4: Importance of Soil
Write a paragraph to explain why soil is a natural resource.
Activity 5: Soil and Life
Answer the enquiry title question: ‘Why is soil the root of life?’
Activity 6: Renewable or Non-Renewable?
Do you think soil is a renewable or non-renewable natural resource? Justify your choice.
Questions for Understanding
Easy Level Questions (20)
- What colour is soil usually?
- Name one plant that grows in soil.
- What do you think soil feels like?
- List one animal that lives in the soil.
- What do we use soil for?
- True or False: Soil is made up of only dirt.
- What does soil help plants do?
- Name one layer of soil.
- What is the top layer of soil called?
- What do worms do in the soil?
- Why is soil important for farmers?
- Can soil hold water? Yes or No?
- What do we call the tiny pieces of rock in soil?
- What do plants need from soil?
- What happens if soil gets too dry?
- What is compost?
- How does rain affect soil?
- Name one way to protect soil.
- What is soil erosion?
- What do we call the process of soil formation?
Medium Level Questions (20)
- Describe the texture of sandy soil.
- How does organic matter improve soil quality?
- What role do bacteria play in soil?
- What are the five layers of soil called?
- Why is the bedrock layer important?
- How does water affect soil formation?
- What is soil fertility?
- How do plants contribute to soil health?
- Explain how soil can be polluted.
- What is the relationship between soil and climate?
- Name a human activity that can harm soil.
- Why might some soils be better for farming than others?
- What is a soil horizon?
- How do earthworms improve soil structure?
- What is leaching in soil?
- What are chemical fertilisers?
- How can soil conservation help the environment?
- Why do we need to study different types of soil?
- What is soil pH and why is it important?
- How do plants help prevent soil erosion?
Hard Level Questions (20)
- Describe the differences between clay soil and sandy soil.
- What effects does soil compaction have on plants?
- How does urban development impact soil health?
- Explain the process of soil formation.
- How do soil microorganisms contribute to nutrient cycling?
- Discuss the concept of soil sustainability.
- What is soil salinisation, and why is it a problem?
- How can climate change affect soil?
- Describe the role of mycorrhizal fungi in soil.
- Explain the term “biological activity” in soil.
- How do heavy rains affect soil stability?
- Discuss the importance of soil biodiversity.
- What practices can restore degraded soils?
- How does the structure of soil influence water retention?
- Explain the impact of deforestation on soil.
- How do soil profiles vary in different ecosystems?
- What is the significance of soil conservation practices?
- How do soil amendments improve soil health?
- Discuss the link between soil and food security.
- Why is it important to monitor soil quality?
Answers and Explanations
Activity 1 Answers
- Soil is the upper layer of the Earth where plants grow.
- Soils can be made up of different materials like sand, clay, silt, and organic matter.
- Soil supports life by providing nutrients, water, and a place for roots to grow.
Activity 2 Answers
- A soil profile shows the different layers of soil from the surface down to the bedrock.
- The five layers are: O (organic), A (topsoil), E (eluviation), B (subsoil), C (parent material).
- Organisms like worms help develop soil by aerating it and breaking down organic matter.
- The bedrock layer is weathered by natural processes like rain, temperature changes, and plant roots breaking it down.
Activity 3 Answers
- Each speech bubble represents different opinions on soil use, such as farmers, environmentalists, and scientists.
- Justifications may include understanding the perspectives and concerns of each group regarding soil health and agricultural practices.
- Conflict arises because some believe chemical fertilisers increase productivity, while others argue they harm soil health.
Activity 4 Answer
Soil is a natural resource because it is essential for growing food, supporting ecosystems, and filtering water. It provides a habitat for countless organisms and is crucial for our survival. Protecting soil ensures a sustainable environment for future generations.
Activity 5 Answer
Soil is often called the root of life because it supports plant growth, which in turn provides food and oxygen for all living things. It is a habitat for many organisms and plays a key role in the water cycle. Without healthy soil, life on Earth would struggle to thrive.
Activity 6 Answer
Soil is generally considered a non-renewable resource because it takes thousands of years to form. While it can be replenished through natural processes, human activities can deplete it much faster than it can be replaced. Therefore, we must manage and protect our soil carefully.
Feel free to ask any questions or discuss your thoughts on soil!
