Soil I: Importance to Plants – Basic 3 Basic Science Lesson Note (Second Term)

What is Soil?

Soil is the brown or black earth where plants grow. It covers most of the land around us.

Importance of Soil to Plants

Plants need soil to:

• Grow their roots – roots spread in soil to hold plant strong
• Get water – soil holds water for plants to drink
• Get food – soil has nutrients that feed plants
• Stand upright – soil supports plants so they don’t fall
• Get air – spaces in soil let roots breathe

Components of Soil

Soil is made up of different things mixed together:

• Sand – tiny pieces of rock, feels rough
• Clay – very small particles, feels smooth when wet
• Silt – medium-sized particles, between sand and clay
• Humus – dead plants and animals, makes soil dark and rich
• Water – moisture that plants need
• Air – oxygen for plant roots to breathe
• Living things – worms, insects, bacteria

Uses of Soil for Plants

• Provides nutrients – nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium
• Stores water – keeps moisture for dry days
• Gives support – holds plant firmly in place
• Supplies minerals – iron, calcium for healthy growth
• Home for helpful bacteria – break down dead materials

Exercise 1:

1. Name 3 things plants get from soil: _______, _______, _______
2. What makes soil dark and rich? _______
3. Circle components of soil: Sand / Plastic / Clay / Paper / Humus