Soil Vocabulary & Key Concepts

These flashcards cover essential vocabulary and key concepts related to soil, including definitions, characteristics of different types of soil, and their significance.

Soil

Loose material that covers much of the Earth's surface.

Clay

Type of soil made up of the smallest particles; water does not pass through this soil easily; can hold a lot of water.

Capacity to Retain Water

The ability of a certain soil texture to hold water against the force of gravity.

Loam

Mixture of sand, humus, and clay.

Sand

Type of soil that is made up of the largest particles; water passes through it easily.

Soil Texture

The look and feel of soil.

Erosion

The movement of weathered rock material from one place to another; causes include glaciers, moving water, and wind.

Weathering

The slow breaking apart or wearing away of rock into smaller pieces; causes include plant roots, water, and wind.

Loam (Key Concept)

Loam will most likely be found in a garden; plants grow rapidly in loam.

Sand (Key Concept)

The beach will most likely have sand; sandy soil has coarse grains allowing water to run through it quickly.

Clay (Key Concept)

Clay has the smallest particle size, is very smooth, and holds the most nutrients; often found in backyards or construction sites.