Created to help my Grade 3 students prep for their science test. Please see new and updated link: http://bit.ly/2VA2gPa.

1. All About Soil
By Mr. Noudelman

2. What is Soil?

3. What is Soil?
Soil is loose material that covers most of the
land surfaces on our planet.
There are 4 main types of
soil:
1. Sand
2. Silt
3. Clay
4. Loam

4. What is Sand?

5. Sandy Soil
• One of the poorest types
of soil for growing
plants.
• It feels rough and gritty
when you rub it together.
• Has very little nutrients.
• Does not hold water
well.

6. What is Silt?

7. Silt Soil
• Feels smooth when dry and
slippery (soapy) when wet.
• Can easily be transported by
moving currents.
• Can be found near rivers, lakes,
and other bodies of water.
• Not good for planting. It is hard
for water and air to pass
through it.

8. What is Clay?

9. Clay Soil
• Feels smooth and hard when dry
and sticky when wet.
• Holds many nutrients.
• Does not allow too much water
or air to pass through it.
• Too much of clay can make the
soil heavy and not good for
growing plants.

10. What is Loam?

11. Loamy Soil
• Best type of soil for growing
plants
• A mixture of sand, silt and clay
• Easy to break apart
• Retains moisture and nutrients

12. Why is Soil Important?

13. 5 Reasons Why Soil is Important
1. We use it to construct structures in our
community like buildings and roadways.
2. It provides plants with minerals and
nutrients that they need to stay alive and
healthy.
3. It traps heat and keeps our planet from
freezing.
4. It is home to many living things like ants
and earthworms.
5. Without soil, we would not be able to
eat our favourite foods.

14. What are the 4 main components of
soil?

15. The 4 Main Components of Soil

16. Who lives in soil?

17. Source: Addison and Wesley, Science
& Technology: Soil

18. What additives are added to soil?

19. Additives in Soil
1. Pesticides – used to kill unwanted
animals and insects in gardens.
2. Herbicides – used to kill certain
plants like weeds.
3. Salt – used during wintertime to help
keep ice off roads, sidewalks, and
driveways. Increases acid in soil,
which is not good for plants.
4. Fertilizer – gives soil the nutrients it
needs to help plants grow. Increases
acid in soil, which is not good for
plants.

20. How do additives harm the soil?

21. Additives
All additives like pesticides and herbicides
(chemicals) are harmful to soils and the plants
that grow in them. Additives take away from the
nutrients available in the soil. They also make it
harder for plants to hold water. Use compost
instead because it is natural.

22. What is Composting?

23. What is Composting?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8PElbErayZ
g

24. What items can you compost?

25. Items We Can/Cannot Compost
(Source: study.com)

26. Why is composting important?

27. 5 Reasons why Composting is
Important
1. It reduces landfill waste.
2. It prevents garden pests
from hurting plants.
3. It returns valuable nutrients
to the soil.
4. It helps the soil retain
moisture.
5. It’s free!

28. Who Uses Soil?
1. Farmers
2. Gardeners
3. Soil Scientists
4. Landscapers
5. Home Builders
6. You