Soil Composition and Types

Front

What is soil a mixture of?

Back

Rock particles, air, water, and decomposing matter.

Front

What are the components of non-living things in soil?

Back

Air, water, and rock particles.

Front

What do scientists use to determine soil type?

Back

Color, size, type of particles, textures, and the ability to hold water.

Front

How does water drain through sandy soil compared to clay soil?

Back

Water pours quickly through sandy soil and slowly through clay soil.

Front

What affects how soil drains?

Back

The type of rock particles in the soil.

Front

What is the process by which rocks are broken down?

Back

Erosion and weathering.

Front

What mixes with air, water, and living materials to form soil?

Back

Broken-down rocks.

Front

What do organisms do to the remains of dead plants and animals?

Back

They break them down into humus.

Front

What is humus?

Back

The decomposing remains of once-living plants and animals.