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Earth ScienceGrade 4en

🌍 Soil Composition & Horizons

Explore the structure and composition of soil, from the organic layer at the surface to the mineral-rich subsoil below. Learn what makes soil a living mixture and how decomposition creates fertile ground for plants. **What you'll learn:** - Soil is a mixture of mineral particles, organic matter, water, and air - The three main soil horizons and their characteristics - What organisms live in soil and how they break down organic matter - Why soil is important for plant growth and ecosystems

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Questions in this quiz

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  1. Question 1

    What are the FOUR main components that make up soil?

  2. Question 2

    Which soil horizon is also called the organic layer?

  3. Question 3

    The A-layer (topsoil) is where most plant roots grow and where soil organisms are most active.

  4. Question 4

    What is the main difference between the A-layer and B-layer?

  5. Question 5

    Which organisms help decompose dead organic matter in soil?

  6. Question 6

    Decomposition is the process where dead organisms are broken down and turned into nutrients that plants can use.

  7. Question 7

    In which soil horizon would you find mostly decomposed leaves and plant material?

  8. Question 8

    Why is air important in soil composition?

  9. Question 9

    The B-layer (subsoil) contains mostly mineral particles and very little organic matter.

  10. Question 10

    Which of the following is NOT a component of soil?

  11. Question 11

    How does decomposition contribute to making soil fertile?

  12. Question 12

    Earthworms are an example of a decomposer that lives in soil.

  13. Question 13

    Which soil horizon is found directly below the O-layer?

  14. Question 14

    What colour is the O-layer typically?

  15. Question 15

    Water is not an important component of soil because plants get water from rain.

  16. Question 16

    Which of the three soil horizons is most important for plant growth?