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STUDY GUIDE for Soils Test
S3E1c Observe Soils
Use observation to compare the similarities and differences of texture, particle size, and color in top soils
S3E1d Changes in Rocks/Soils
Determine how water and wind can change rocks and soil over time using observation and research
Clay: a type of soil made from certain types of rock dust
Loam: a type of soil that is a mixture of sand, humus, and clay that is good for plant growth
Humus: the part of soil made up of broken pieces of dead plants and animals
Silt: soil with grains of rock that are too small to be seen with your eyes alone
Sand: soil with grains of rock that you can see with your eyes alone and a type of soil that does
not hold water very well
Organic matter: parts of soil formed from decaying plants and animals
Particle size: the size of the tiny pieces that make up soil types
Topsoil: the uppermost layer of soil
Erosion: the movement of weathered materials by water, wind, or ice
Weathering: the breaking down of rock
The soil grains from largest to smallest are: sand, silt, and clay
Many farms have loam soil.
Silt soil is made up of powdery grains of rock.
The 4 things that make up soil are:
1. Water
2. Air
3. Tiny pieces of rock
4. Humus