Download Unit 1 Study Guide: Studying Soil Scientifically

Unit 1 Study Guide: Studying Soil Scientifically
Directions: Complete each statement below by filling in the correct answer.
1. Soil forms as rocks are weathered into smaller pieces. The last stage of soil production is when
_____________________ __________________ is broken down by fungi and bacteria.
2. Soil is made up of _______________, ________________, _______________, &
____________________ ____________________.
3. From top to bottom, the four horizons of soil are (include both names)________________________,
________________________, ______________________, & ______________________.
4. Give an example of an area where organic matter would be found. Explain why!!
5. List 3 factors that contributed to the Dust Bowl of the 1930s.
a.
b.
c.
6. ________________________________ is the method used to reduce soil erosion on steep slopes.
This method looks like stairways cut into the side of steep hills.
7. __________________________ ____________________ is a method used to reduce soil erosion
on gentle slopes. Using this method, farmers follow the shape of the land when planting crops.
8. _______________ ___________________ is a method of preventing soil erosion where farmers
leave the dead stalks of previous crops on the ground and plant new crops in rows between them.
9. _________________________ is found in the A horizon. It gives the soil its dark brown color.
10. ____________________ often causes erosion in areas with a severe drought.
11. __________________________ is known as organic matter that might eventually decompose. It
covers the ground in areas with a lot of vegetation.
12. Give four examples of human activity that cause serious soil erosion.
a.
b.
c.
d.
13. __________________________ is the process that carries dissolved minerals from the A horizon to
the B horizon.
14. ______________________________ has a dark brown color with a lot of organic matter.
15. Areas without a large amount of ________________________________ will experience the most
soil erosion.
16. Scientists describe soil based on __________________________,
_____________________________, and ____________________________.
17. The three types of weathered rock found in soil are sand, silt, and clay. Rank the particle size of the
sediments from largest particle to smallest particle.
18. Plants need ________________________, ____________________________,
______________________________, & _______________________ in order to grow.
19. Look at the diagram below. Label the sections of the soil column where each component of soil
would be found.
20. Explain why the components of soil seen above separated when added to water.
21. Explain the nutrient cycle of soil. USE STEPS TO EXPLAIN!
22. _________________________ ______________________ is known as decaying plants and
animals found in soil. It breaks down into nutrients.
23. A ____________________________ is the part of an experiment where the scientist evaluates
whether or not a hypothesis is correct. Data is used to support the answer.
24. A _______________________________ is a possible solution to a scientific problem.
25. _________________________________ are shelter belts of trees used to block the wind from
picking up loose sediment.
26. _________________________________ is the breaking down of large rocks into smaller pieces.
This process provides the sediment found in soil.
27. __________________________________ is the word used to describe the ingredients of something.
It is what something is made up of.
28. Give one UNIQUE fact about each soil layer in the soil profile.