Soil

Question 1

What does top soil mean?

Answer 1

Topsoil is the upper, outermost layer of soil, usually the top 5–10 inches. It has the highest concentration of organic matter and microorganisms and is where most of the Earth’s biological soil activity occur

Question 2

What does humus mean?

Answer 2

the organic component of soil, formed by the decomposition of leaves and other plant material by soil microorganisms.

Question 3

Name a Characteristic of Clay Soil

Answer 3

• made from fine particles (bits)
• not much space between particles
• water does not drain through easily
• heavy and sticky

Question 4

Name a Characteristic of Sandy Soil

Answer 4

• contains sand
• has gaps between particles (bits)
• water drains through quickly dry and light

Question 5

Impact of human activity on Soil

Answer 5

Adding Fertiliser and other chemicals to soil for Farming will change the pH and nurtient levels within the soil.
Heavy machinery can compact soil and therefore reduces the ability of soil to drain water causing flooding

Question 6

Name a suitable test for pH of soil

Answer 6

pH paper, pH meter, Universal indicator solution