Surface of the Earth - Soil types Topic 15)

Question 1

Key Words:

Microscope

Answer 1

An instrument that makes small things appear much bigger

Question 2

Key Words:

Coarse grains

Answer 2

Large soil grains

Question 3

Key Words:

Fine grains

Answer 3

Very small soil grains

Question 4

Key Words:

Soil grains

Answer 4

Small pieces of broken rock

Question 5

Key Words:

Humus

Answer 5

Dark material in the soil
made of the fully decomposed remains
of plants and animals

Question 6

Key Words:

Eroded soil

Answer 6

Soil that has been washed or blown away

Question 7

List the following types of soil in order from roughest to smoothest:
Sand
Clay
Loam

Answer 7

1. Sand
2. Loam
3. Clay

Question 8

What does clay feel like?

Answer 8

Smooth

Question 9

Why does clay feel smooth?

Answer 9

Because it is made up of very fine particles

Question 10

What is loam?

Answer 10

Equal parts clay - sand - other grains

Question 11

Why is humus important?

Answer 11

It provides lots of nutrients for the plants.

Question 12

Water and wind can cause the fertile soil to be removed. This process is called….

Answer 12

Erosion

Question 13

Soil can hold (1)…. and (2)…. between the space of its grains

Answer 13

1. Air

2. Water

Question 14

Water passes more easily through which kind of soil?

Answer 14

Sandy

Question 15

Does sandy soil have large or small grains?

Answer 15

Large

Question 16

What do we add to sand to make plants grow better?

Answer 16

Compost

Question 17

Why do plants like loamy soil?

Answer 17

Because loamy soil doesn’t get too wet or too dry.

Question 18

How do the dead leaves and plants get broken down?

Answer 18

By small animals like earth worms, termites, crickets and spiders moving around.

Question 19

Name one other way that small animals help the soil?

Answer 19

As they move around
They open small spaces for more and and water in the soil.
This makes it easier for plants to grow.

Question 20

How do dead plants and animals decompose?

Answer 20

Very tiny organisms eat the dead plants and animals

Question 21

Why must farmers protect the soil?

Answer 21

Because it takes thousands of years for soil to form.

Question 22

How can topsoil be lost?

Answer 22

It can be washed away by water

Blown away by wind

Question 23

What do we call the process of topsoil being lost?

Answer 23

Erosion

Question 24

Why is loamy soil dark?

Answer 24

Because it has humus in it.

Question 25

What happens to clay when it gets wet?

Answer 25

It gets sticky

Question 26

Why is Loamy soil just right for plants?

Answer 26

1. It holds the right amount of water
2. Allows water to drain away
3. Has lots of nutrients in it.