Science

3. The layer under topsoil. It has fewer nutrients and more clay.
5. material: Things in the soil that once were alive, like dead leaves or roots. They help plants grow.
6. content: How much of the food (nutrients) plants need is in the soil. Healthy soil has a lot.
8. fertility: How good the soil is at helping plants grow. Fertile soil has nutrients and water.
11. The process of breaking down dead plants and animals into nutrients. Worms and bacteria help with this.
12. Large soil particles that feel gritty. Sand doesn’t hold much water.
13. Very tiny particles that feel sticky. Clay holds a lot of water but drains slowly.

1. Medium-sized particles that feel soft, like flour. Silt holds some water.
2. The outer layer of the Earth that includes rocks and soil. It’s where we live and grow food.
3. texture: How soil feels based on the size of its particles. Some soil feels rough, others smooth.
4. The top layer of soil. It’s where most plant roots grow and is full of nutrients.
7. material: Parts of soil that were never alive, like sand, clay, or minerals.
9. The best mix of sand, silt, clay, and humus. It’s great for growing plants.
10. Dark, rich part of soil made from decomposed plants and animals. It adds nutrients to the soil.