Do Now: What processes creates the small rocks in soil? List what else you might can find in soil.

AIM: What is Soil?

I. Parts of Earth’s Crust

Solid layer of rock below the soil. (Parent Material)

Physical and Chemical weathering break down the

bedrock into pieces.

most weathered material rich with minerals, nutrients

and organic matter

II. Soil Composition

•Mineral matter (parent rock)

•Humus: organic material (from living things)

•Water

•Air

III. Soil Formation

Transported Soil - brought from another place by erosion.

Residual Soil - created by the weathering of parent material (bedrock)

- Long Island is made of transported soils from Canada and the New England area.

- It was brought here by glaciers 20,000 and 30,000 years ago.

Factors that effect soil formation:

a)Time – Thicker soils indicate more weathering has occurred.

b)Parent Material – determines the mineral composition of the soil.

c)Climate – rainfall and temperature will determine the amount of weathering, erosion and organic material.

IV. Soil Texture• refers to the size of the particles and the amount of moisture.

Determine which soil is drier? More suitable for plants? Composed of more sand? Chemically Weathered? Physically

weathered?

A B C

V. Soil Profile•Layers of soil are called Horizons.

Horizon’s

A- Mineral matter and organic matter (topsoil)

B- Mineral matter some organic (plant roots) (subsoil)

C- Partially weathered parent material (broken rock)

Closure:

• Obtain a “Soil” worksheet from the back bottom bin and complete it with your partner sitting next to you.