Question 1

What is soil?

Accepted Answer

Soil is the top layer of the ground that plants grow in. It's made of tiny bits of rock, minerals, and organic matter like dead leaves.

Question 2

Why is soil important for plants?

Accepted Answer

Soil provides plants with the nutrients and water they need to grow. It also helps hold plants in place so they don't fall over.

Question 3

What does soil fertility mean?

Accepted Answer

Soil fertility describes how good the soil is at helping plants grow. Fertile soil has lots of nutrients that plants need to get big and strong.

Question 4

How do farmers make soil more fertile?

Accepted Answer

Farmers add things like compost and fertilizers to make soil richer in nutrients. This helps the plants they grow become healthier and produce more food.

Question 5

Where do the nutrients in soil come from?

Accepted Answer

Nutrients in soil come from the breakdown of rocks and organic materials. Tiny creatures in the soil also help form nutrients when they digest dead plants and animals.

Question 6

What is compost?

Accepted Answer

Compost is made from leftover fruits, vegetables, leaves, and other organic materials that break down into nutrient-rich soil. It's like recycling for the garden!

Question 7

Why do we need to add fertilizer to soil?

Accepted Answer

Sometimes soil doesn't have enough nutrients to support plant growth. Fertilizers add extra nutrients to help plants grow better and faster.

Question 8

What are worms doing in the soil?

Accepted Answer

Worms help mix up the soil and add air to it, which is helpful for plants. They also leave behind waste that is full of nutrients for the soil.

Question 9

Can soil get tired?

Accepted Answer

Yes, if we keep growing the same plants without adding nutrients back, the soil can lose its fertility. That's why farmers rotate crops and add compost or fertilizers.

Question 10

What's crop rotation?

Accepted Answer

Crop rotation means growing different kinds of plants in the same area each year. This helps keep the soil healthy because different plants use and give back different nutrients.

Question 11

How do plants get nutrients from the soil?

Accepted Answer

Plants have roots that reach down into the soil. They suck up water and dissolve nutrients like tiny straws.

Question 12

What is a nutrient?

Accepted Answer

Nutrients are like food for plants; they help them grow strong and healthy. Some important nutrients for plants include nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium.

Question 13

What happens if soil doesn't have enough nutrients?

Accepted Answer

If soil lacks nutrients, plants can become sick or not grow well. They might have fewer leaves or not produce as much fruit or flowers.

Question 14

How can we tell if soil is fertile?

Accepted Answer

Fertile soil often looks dark and rich and feels crumbly. Plants growing in fertile soil tend to be healthy and lush.

Question 15

Why is organic matter important for soil?

Accepted Answer

Organic matter helps hold water and nutrients that plants need. It also provides a home and food for tiny creatures that are good for the soil.

Question 16

What role do bugs play in the soil?

Accepted Answer

Bugs like ants and beetles help break down old plants and leaves, turning them into nutrients. They also help mix up the soil!

Question 17

Can rocks turn into soil?

Accepted Answer

Yes, over a long time, rocks break down into tiny pieces to become part of the soil. This process happens because of weathering from wind, rain, and ice.

Question 18

How does rain affect soil?

Accepted Answer

Rain helps move nutrients down through the soil and gives water to plant roots. But too much rain can wash away important nutrients.

Question 19

What is erosion, and why is it bad for soil?

Accepted Answer

Erosion is when wind or water blows or washes away soil. It can be bad because it removes the top layer that has the most nutrients.

Question 20

What's a cover crop?

Accepted Answer

A cover crop is a plant grown to protect and improve the soil instead of being harvested. It helps prevent erosion, adds nutrients, and improves soil health.

The History and Science of Soil Fertility - 20 FAQs Explained Simply