Soil is primarily composed of which four main components?

Organic matter, minerals, air, and water.

The process of soil formation begins with the ___ of rocks.

Weathering

True or False: Soil formation is a rapid process that can occur in just a few years.

False. Soil formation is a very slow process that can take millions of years for just an inch to form.

What is humus and why is it important for soil?

Humus is the rotted remains of plants and animals that makes the soil fertile and provides essential nutrients for plant growth.

Fill in the blank: The tiny bits of rock in soil come from the ___ of larger rocks.

Breaking down

Which two processes contribute to the breakdown of rocks during soil formation?

Weathering and transportation.

What role does air play in the composition of soil?

Air is trapped in the pore spaces between soil particles, providing oxygen necessary for soil organisms and plant roots.

True or False: Clayey soil drains quickly and is easy to work with when wet.

False; Clayey soil drains slowly and can be difficult to work with when wet.

What makes loamy soil ideal for gardening?

Loamy soil is a balanced mixture of sand, clay, silt, and organic matter, providing good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient richness.

Fill in the blank: Clayey soil is known for being ___ when wet and ___ when dry.

Sticky; hard

I hold moisture well but can lead to waterlogging. I am rich in nutrients but hard to work with. What am I?

Clayey soil

Which type of soil warms up quickly in the spring and is suitable for early planting?

Sandy soil

True or False: Loamy soil contains only sand and clay, making it less nutrient-rich than other soil types.

False; Loamy soil contains a mixture of sand, clay, silt, and organic matter, making it nutrient-rich.

Soil is essential for sustaining life as it supports ___, provides resources, and maintains water quality.

Ecosystems

What are the three main types of crops based on their purpose?

Food crops, cash crops, and industrial crops.

True or False: Industrial crops are primarily grown for personal consumption.

False. Industrial crops are grown to produce raw materials for industrial purposes.

Fill in the blank: Crops are cultivated in fields, orchards, vineyards, and ___.

Greenhouses

Which type of crop includes grains like rice and wheat?

Food crops

What is the primary function of soil in relation to plants?

To anchor roots, provide nutrients, and retain water.

Crops grown for sale rather than personal use are known as ___ crops.

Cash