Threats to Soil

1. matter This is the term for parts of soil which is not sand, silt or clay. This is where most of the nutrients in soil originate from.
3. These break down organic matter in soil to make it a usable material, or break down soil particles to aid in soil formation.
8. When excess salt in the soil dries up plant roots preventing growth.
10. Soil is a non-renewable resource because it takes a large amount of ____________ to form.
11. This is important for soil health because it promotes high levels of nutrients. Having a high level of this, it an indicator of a healthy soil.
12. This is a fancy word for landscape, this impacts how thick and moist the topsoil in an area is.
14. material This impacts what minerals are found in soil.
15. When excess water in the soil prevents plants from taking in oxygen.
16. When soil is covered by an impermeable material. Driven by the need for more housing and development.

2. When excessive working of the ground presses soil particles together reducing the space available for moisture.
4. this condition can cause nutrient toxicity or nutrient defeciency.
5. When wind and water carry topsoil away making it unusable. Typically caused when plants that cover the soil are removed.
6. This event occurred due to a combination of poor farming practices, a drought, and large winds leading to erosion.
7. When the ________________ is warm and wet, soils develop faster.
9. Caused by use of fertilizers with high levels of ammonia and/or acid rain.
13. When there is a substance in soil that poses threat to humans and is above the naturally occurring level.