Soil and soil erosion - How soils are formed

Question 1

Name the 5 soil layers:

Answer 1

1. Humus
2. Topsoil - often rich in humus and minerals.
3. Subsoil - poor in humus, rich in minerals
4. Weathered rock fragments - little or no plant or animal life
5. Bedrock

Question 2

5 horizons and what they split:

Answer 2

O horizon - humus and surface
A horizon - humus and topsoil
B horizon - topsoil and subsoil
C horizon - subsoil and weathered fragments
D horizon - weathered fragments and bedrock

Question 3

Biota

Answer 3

Living organisms in soil

Question 4

Two factors that play role in soil formation:

Answer 4

Climate: hot, wet climate will cause fast weathering of rocks, and favour growth of dense vegetation and micro-organisms. Cold dry climates will have poorer thinner soil.

Time: soil takes long time to form.