APES Soil Choice Activity - HA

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Across
  1. 4. The process when water dissolves and carries away nutrients, minerals, and other soluble substances from the soil which can lead to nutrient loss and soil degradation
  2. 6. Distinct layers of soils that vary in composition, texture, and color that influence plant growth
  3. 9. Essential elements required by plants and animals for survival and growth
  4. 12. Fine particles of soil 0.002-0.5 mm in diameter that retain water and nutrients
  5. 14. Space between soil particles that hold air and water
  6. 16. Physical features and layout of the land surface, including hills, elevation, and landforms
  7. 17. Balanced soil mix of sand, silt, and clay
  8. 19. Consists of weathered "parent material" like bedrock or gravel (foundation for soil development)
  9. 20. Decomposed plant and animal material in soil including leaf litter, animal remains, and microorganisms
  10. 23. Layer of dead leaves and organic material that falls to the forest floor
  11. 24. Small particles of rock and mineral material that are pretty small and can provide good drainage in soil
Down
  1. 1. Bacteria, fungi, and worms that break down organic material into simpler compounds that recycle nutrients
  2. 2. Uppermost layer of soil made of organic materials like decomposed plants
  3. 3. Movement of weathered material from one place to another commonly by way of wind, water, or ice
  4. 5. Topsoil layer of the soil profiles made of humus and minerals
  5. 7. Aka subsoil; made up of mineral material leached from topsoil that contains clay, some nutrients, and organic material from the A horizon
  6. 8. Organic component of soil formed by the decomposition of plants and animals that's rich in nutrients
  7. 10. How climate, organisms, topography, and time create soil
  8. 11. Substance of nitrogen, phosphorous, and potassium added to soil to enhance its fertility and support plant growth
  9. 13. Particles less than 0.002 mm that has high nutrient and water retention but poor drainage
  10. 15. Geologic material from which soil forms(usually from bedrock/sediment)
  11. 18. Measure of "void spaces" or pores in soil that indicates the soil's ability to hold air and water
  12. 21. When rocks and minerals break down into smaller particles due to physical, chemical, or biological forces
  13. 22. Coarse rock particles often found in lower soil horizons