2. Formation of Soil
Soil is defined as the top layer of the Earth ’s
surface, which consists of sand, remains of dead
plants and animals, and minerals with some
amount of water and air in it.
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3. Types of Soil
Three types types of soil, depending on the size, feel, and
colour of the soil particles
1. Gravel consists of tiny stones and does not hold water.
2. Sand is light and dry. Water passes easily through this
kind of soil as particles are rough.
3. Clay particles are extremely fine. Water does not flow
freely through this soil.
Soil that consist s of clay, sand and humus is called loam.
Loamy soil is good for growing plants.
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4. Composition of soil
Soil is made of
Gravel, sand and clay particles
Humus (remains of dead plants and animals)
Water
Air, minerals
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Gravel
5. Soil
Top soil
Uppermost layer
Contains sand, clay,
humus and water
Gives nutrients to
plants.
Subsoil
Middle layer
Contain broken pieces of
rock.
Less humus
Bedrock
Bottom layer
Large pieces of rock
Not much water.
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6. Soil Erosion
The removal of the fertile topsoil by the action of
wind and water is called soil erosion.
Strong winds, heavy rainfall and cutting down of
trees increase soil erosion.
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7. Soil Conservation
Protection of soil is known as soil
conservation.
Steps to conserve soil.
More number of trees should be planted to replace the
ones that are cut down.
Crop Rotation
Different types of crops should be grown on a farmland so that the soil gets time
to recover its fertility.
Trees and bushes should be planted in open land to
prevent wind to blow away topsoil.
Dams should be built across rivers to prevent floods.
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