SoilBy,

Mrs. Schuette’s Second Grade Class

2013

TopsoilThe top layer of soil.

Subsoil

The layer of soil below the topsoil.

A mixture of decaying plants and animals in soil.

GravelA part of soil made up of large sized

pieces (smaller than rock).

Sand

A part of soil made up of medium sized grains (smaller than gravel).

SiltA part of soil made up of small sized

grains (smaller than sand).

Clay

A part of soil made up of very small grains.

LoamA mixture of clay, silt, and sand.

Compost

A mixture of decayed leaves, vegetables, and

other plant materials.

OrganismA living thing.

Decomposers

Tiny organisms in the soil that help break it down.

DecayThe process by which

dead material breaks down (rot).

Nutrients

Materials that plants and animals need to live and grow.

OrganicAnything that does come

from living things.

InorganicAnything that does not come

from living things.

ErosionThe wearing away of rock or soil.

WeatheringThe breaking down of rocks.

The End!