Science Vocab

3. The layer under topsoil. It has fewer nutrients and more clay.
4. How good the soil is at helping plants grow. Fertile soil has nutrients and water.
6. The best mix of sand, silt, clay, and humus. It’s great for growing plants.
9. The process of breaking down dead plants and animals into nutrients. Worms and bacteria help with this.
10. Very tiny particles that feel sticky. Clay holds a lot of water but drains slowly.
11. Large soil particles that feel gritty. Sand doesn’t hold much water.
12. Medium-sized particles that feel soft, like flour. Silt holds some water.
13. Dark, rich part of soil made from decomposed plants and animals. It adds nutrients to the soil.
14. Parts of soil that were never alive, like sand, clay, or minerals.

1. Things in the soil that once were alive, like dead leaves or roots. They help plants grow.
2. The top layer of soil. It’s where most plant roots grow and is full of nutrients.
5. The outer layer of the Earth that includes rocks and soil. It’s where we live and grow food.
7. How much of the food (nutrients) plants need is in the soil. Healthy soil has a lot.
8. How soil feels based on the size of its particles. Some soil feels rough, others smooth.