LESSON 1

Soil composition and its

Chapter 3
importance in the ecosystem

1 Why do plants grow well in certain soils and not in others?

2 What makes soil so important for supporting plant life?
In this lesson, we will learn about the composition of soil, the elements that
make up soil, how its properties affect the health of plants and its role in
maintaining ecological balance.
Note
The study of soil is a branch of environmental and agricultural sciences that
focuses on understanding:
 he properties of soil
T Its composition
How it affects plants, animals, and the environment

 ost plants get their nutrients from soil, which is the main source of food for
M
humans, animals, and all living things, so most organisms depend on soil for
their existence.
 S
 oil is a valuable resource that needs careful scientific management (G.R)
 because it is easily depleted and destroyed.
 If we understand and manage soil properly, we will avoid destroying one of the
essential components of our environment and food security.

Not just the clay under

our feet

It is formed by the

soil
weathering and A complex system
crumbling of all types of made up of several key
igneous, sedimentary, components
and metamorphic rocks
of the earth’s crust

The upper, loose

surface layer that
covers the earth’s
crust

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Note
Soils are formed continuously, but very slowly, through weathering processes
W
 eathering processes lead to the fragmentation and decomposition of
rocks.
W
 eathering occurs as a result of physical, chemical, or biological processes
These processes can be extremely slow, taking tens of thousands of years

1 Types of weathering processes

Types of weathering process

Physical Chemical Biological

Weathering weathering weathering

It occurs as a result It occurs as a result of.. the breakdown

of the fragmentation ►the decomposition of rocks by living
of rocks by Physical of the mineral organisms, as :
Processes such as...
components of rocks
►Temperature ►Animals that dig
changes. in the presence of
rocks help water
►Repeated freezing. water
and air enter the
►Thawing of water in ►through a change
rock cracks. in their chemical rock.
or composition, as the ►Plant roots can
Mechanical Processes
minerals react with air grow into cracks in
when rocks rub against
each other during or other chemicals. the rock, causing it
transportation by wind to crack and then
and water currents, break apart.
and gravity also has
a role in soil formation

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2 Soil constituents
Soil is made up of several key components as:
1 minerals

M
 inerals are the largest component of soil, mostly silicate minerals.
Minerals can be categorized into two main types :
1 Primary Minerals...
T
 hey are the result of the fragmentation of rocks by physical factors, and
they are often coarse and irregular in shape and size.
1 Secondary Minerals...
 They result from chemical and biological weathering processes of primary
minerals, which are more stable minerals

2 gases

T
 he exchange of atmospheric gases occurs within the pores of soil.
( These gases include):
O
 xygen, which is important for the respiration of plant roots and soil
microorganisms.
C
 arbon Dioxide & Nitrogen, which are important for the functions of
organisms that help plant growth, such as nitrogen-fixing bacteria.

3 Organic matter

T
 he remaining of variety of plants and animals such as insects, earthworms,
microorganisms ( fungi, bacteria) , and other living and dead organisms that
mix with the soil and are known as → Humus.
O
 rganic matter affects the chemical, physical and biological properties
of the soil
T  he most important sources of organic matter aree fertilizers and plant crop
residues.
Organic materials also include living components, such as: insects,
earthworms, fungi, parasites, and other living organisms

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4 water

Water is found within the pores of the soil.

Water is considered an essential part of soil components, as it is important for
1) Transporting nutrients to plants and soil organisms.
2) Facilitating both biological and chemical decomposition.
The soil retains water inside the pores.
A
 bility of soil to retain water varies depending on the size of soil grains &
temperature.
Clay soils are better at retaining water than sandy soils.

3 Soil profile
the vertical section (profile) in the soil shows the different major horizons or zones of
the soil whose thickness varies in different soil types depending on :

1 The type of bed rock from which the soil was formed.

2 The influence of both organisms and climate factors.

3 The time the bed rock has been exposed to weathering

Most different types of soil consist of three main horizon :

1 The soil surface or horizon (A).

2 The subsoil surface or horizon (B).

3 The parent rock or horizon (C).

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The Soil Surface or horizon (A)

- Consists mainly of plant remains that have accumulated on the soil surface
and it is rich in humus where nutrients, organic matter, and biological activity
are present. i.e. Most plant roots, earthworms, insects, and microorganisms
are active.
- Horizon A is usually darker in color than the other horizons due to presence
of organic matter.

The subsoil surface The parent rock or horizon

or horizon (B) (C)
A clay-rich soil, horizon It consists of cohesive or loosened

(B) is often : rocky material from which the soils

less fertile, retains more of horizon (A) and (B) were formed.
moisture.
Note:
It is usually lighter in color.
Plant roots do not penetrate this
It has a coarser texture.
layer.
It has less biological activity
than horizon (A).

4 Soil types and their physical properties

There are many types of soils that differ in their properties depending on their
composition and environment, such as( clay, loamy, silt, sandy, humid, calcareous,
red, and others).

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The main types of soils

include

1 2 3

Clay Soil Sandy Soil Alluvial Soils (Silt Soil)

Clay soil

Clay soils are fine sediments.

The spaces between the sediments are very small, which makes them dense
and poorly ventilated.
They have a high-water retention capacity, and therefore drainage is very
poor due to the difficulty of water seepage from between the sediments, which
makes them retain moisture for long periods of time.
It is noted that the soil expands when it’s wet and shrinks when it’s dry, which
leads to clay cracks.

Sandy soil

Sandy soils consist of relatively large and coarse sandy deposits.

T
 here are large pores between the sediments, which makes them well
ventilated.
Their ability to retain water is low and water drains from them quickly
They are quick to dry and unsuitable for agriculture without regular irrigation.
Sandy soils are often exposed to denudation factors.

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Alluvial soils (silt soils)

Alluvial soils are a mixture of clay, sand, and silt of fine size.
It’s slightly larger than clay soil grains, moderately aerated
They have a high water retention capacity, so they retain moisture well, but
may become weak when waterlogged.
Its drainage is average, retaining a reasonable amount of water but may
become saturated in wet conditions.
It has high fertility, making it ideal for cultivation .

5 Role of soil in the ecosystem

Soil plays a vital and essential role in the ecosystem, contributing to many
environmental processes that support life on Earth.
Among the most important roles that soil plays in the ecosystem
1) Supporting plant growth.
2) Nutrient cycling.
3) Regulating the water cycle.
4) Supporting biodiversity and ecological balance.
5) Climate regulation.
6) Maintaining the structure of the Earth and preventing erosion

1 Supporting plant growth

- Soil is a source of nutrients, providing plants with essential nutrients such as:
nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium that are necessary for growth
- Soil :
1- Acts as a means of stabilizing the roots.
2- Supporting the plant and reventing it from drifting or falling.
3- Soil retains water and makes it available to plants as needed.

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2 Regulating the water cycle

- Soil absorbs and stores rainwater, helping to provide water to plants
during dry periods.
- As water seeps through soil layers, the soil acts as a Natural filter that
removes impurities and pollutants from the water before it reaches
groundwater

3 nutrient cycling
- Soil contains microorganisms such as bacteria and fungi that break down
dead organic matter, turning it into nutrients that plants can use

4 Supporting biodiversity and ecological balance

- Soil provides a habitat for a wide range of organisms such as worms,
insects, bacteria, and fungi.
- These organisms play vital roles in
1) Decomposing organic matter 2) Fixing nitrogen 3) Aerating the soil.
- Soil supports plant biodiversity by providing a suitable environment for
various plant species, which in turn supports wildlife

5 Maintaining the structure of the Earth and preventing erosion

- Plants that grow in the soil help stabilize it and prevent it from being
eroded by wind or water.
- Healthy soil planted with plants helps prevent desertification and land
degradation.

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6 Climate regulation
- Healthy soils play an important role in mitigating climate change by
sequestering carbon (absorbing carbon dioxide) and reducing greenhouse
gases in the atmosphere.
- By reclaiming degraded soils and adopting soil conservation practices, the
emission of greenhouse gases can be reduced.
- Soil plays a crucial role in regulating temperature.
- Soil absorbs and stores heat during the day, and slowly releases it at
night, helping to
smooth out rapid temperature changes.

Note
 oil is an essential element of life, supporting plants and contributing to
S
many ecological processes.
 oils differ in their properties, making each type of soil suitable for specific
S
uses and crops based on its composition and its ability to retain water and
drainage.

 Soil is not just a physical medium, but a living and dynamic system
that contributes to the balance of ecosystems and the sustainability
of life on Earth.

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9
 Ch 3: The soil
Lesson (1) : Soil composition and its importance in the ecosystem

1] Explain: Most organisms depend on soil for their existence.

2] What is meant by: The soil?

3] How is the soil formed?

4] Identify the type of weathering for each of the following processes:-

1) the fragmentation of rocks due to the temperature changes and repeated freezing
and thawing of water in rocks.
2) the fragmentation of rocks due to cracks or mechanical processes when rocks rub
against each other during transportation by wind and water currents.
3) the fragmentation of rocks due to falling it under the effect of Earth’s gravitational
force.
4) the fragmentation of rocks due to the decomposition of the mineral components
of rocks in the presence of water through a change in their chemical composition.
5) the fragmentation of rocks due to the reaction of rock’s minerals with air or other
chemicals.
6) the breakdown of rocks by living organisms.
7) the breakdown of rocks by animals that dig rocks help water and air enter the rock.
8) the breakdown of rocks by growing plant roots into cracks in the rock.

5] What are the main four components of the soil?

 6] Compare between the primary minerals and the secondary minerals of the soil:

P.O.C The primary minerals The secondary minerals

How is formed?

Its properties

7] Complete the figure that shows the soil components W, X, Y, and Z

W X

Z Y

8] Explain:
Water is considered an essential and important part of soil components,

9] What are the factors on which the ability of the soil to retain water depends on?

10] Explain:
Clay soils are better at retaining water than sandy soils.
11] The figure shows the soil profile:
Write the horizon (zone) that will be identified by each of the following statements.

1) It Consists mainly of plant remains that have accumulated on

the soil surface and is rich in humus.
2) It is usually darker in color than the other horizons due to
organic matter.
3) Clay-rich soil, that is often less fertile, retains more moisture
4) It is usually lighter in color, has a coarser texture, and has
less biological activity.
5) It consists of cohesive or loosened rocky material.
6) Roots do not penetrate this layer.
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 Ch 3: The soil
Lesson (1) : Soil composition and its importance in the ecosystem

Q1: Choose the correct answer

1) The study of soil is a branch of environmental and agricultural sciences that
focuses on:
A. understanding the properties of soil
B. the composition of the soil
C. the soil effect on plants, animals and environment
D. All the previous

2) Most organisms depend on ........... for their existence.

A. Soil
B. Oceans
C. Rivers
D. Seas

3) Soils are formed………….., but very ……….

A continuously slowly
B continuously rapidly
C discontinuously slowly
D discontinuously rapidly

4) Weathering occurs as a result of ……………………… processes

A. physical only
A. chemical only
C. biological only
D. physical, chemical, or biological

5) Weathering processes lead to the ……………………… of rocks

A. fragmentation only
B. decomposition only
C. fragmentation and decomposition
D. stability

6) ................. are the largest component of soil

A. Minerals
A. Organic matter
C. Water
D. Gases
7) primary minerals in the soil are the result of the fragmentation of rocks
by ……………………. factors.
A. physical only
A. biological only
C. chemical and biological
D. chemical and physical

8) Most of the soil minerals are ……………… minerals.

A. phosphate
A. silicate
C. acetate
D. sulphate

9) The most important source of …………. is fertilizers and plant crop residues
A. Water
B. Gases
C. Minerals
D. Organic matter

10) The ability of the soil to retain water varies depending on:
A. the size of the soil grains only
B. the temperature only
C. the size of the soil grains and temperature
D. None of these

11) The ability of clay soils to retain water is …………. That of sandy soils.
A. more than
B. less than
C. equal to
D. less than or equal to

12) Soils that are characterized by their ability to hold water, but are poorly
aerated are:
Ⓐ ○ clay soils
Ⓑ ○ calcareous soils
Ⓒ ○ sandy soils
Ⓓ ○ loamy soils
13) Which type of soil contains uniformly sized sediments, making it a poor
water holding soil?
Ⓐ ○ clay soils
Ⓑ ○ sandy soils
Ⓒ ○ Humic soils
Ⓓ ○ Alluvial soils

14) Which soil zone contains the greatest amount of humus?

Ⓐ ○ Soil surface
Ⓑ ○ Subsoil surface
Ⓒ ○ Disintegrated rock
Ⓓ ○ Bedrock