Across
- 2. Parent Material: A layer made of broken-down rocks and unconsolidated material, from which soil minerals are derived.
- 5. Decomposed plant and animal material that enriches soil with nutrients and improves its structure.
- 7. : The layer beneath the A Horizon that accumulates minerals and nutrients leached from above, often less fertile.
- 8. Organisms: Microorganisms, insects, and other creatures that live in the soil, breaking down organic matter and supporting nutrient cycling.
- 9. Layer: The topsoil layer made up of decomposed plant and animal material, rich in nutrients.
- 11. The solid, unweathered rock beneath all other soil layers.
Down
- 1. Moisture in the soil that supports plant growth by transporting nutrients to plant roots.
- 3. Layer: A layer where minerals and nutrients are leached or washed out from above, often lighter in color.
- 4. A fertile layer of soil containing a mix of organic matter and minerals, where most plant roots grow.
- 6. Particles: Small particles of sand, silt, and clay that make up the soil’s texture and provide structure and nutrients.
- 10. Oxygen and other gases present in soil's pore spaces, necessary for root and microbial respiration.