Question 1

What is soil made of?

Accepted Answer

Soil is made up of tiny pieces of rock, dead plants and animals, air, and water. It’s like a perfect mix that helps plants grow.

Question 2

Why do we need soil?

Accepted Answer

We need soil because it provides a home for plants. It also holds nutrients and water that plants need to grow.

Question 3

What are the layers of soil?

Accepted Answer

Soil has layers called topsoil, subsoil, and bedrock. Topsoil is on the top and is where plants grow. Below that is subsoil, and bedrock is the solid rock at the bottom.

Question 4

What lives in the soil?

Accepted Answer

Lots of tiny creatures live in soil, like worms, insects, fungi, and bacteria. They help break down dead plants and animals, making the soil healthy for plants.

Question 5

Why are worms called ‘nature’s plow’?

Accepted Answer

Worms are called ‘nature’s plow’ because they tunnel through soil. This helps air and water get to plant roots.

Question 6

How do plants get food from the soil?

Accepted Answer

Plants use their roots to pick up nutrients and water from the soil. It’s like using a straw to drink a milkshake!

Question 7

What are nutrients in the soil?

Accepted Answer

Nutrients are like vitamins and minerals for plants. They help plants grow strong and healthy.

Question 8

What is compost?

Accepted Answer

Compost is made by letting dead plants and food scraps rot. It turns into rich soil that helps plants grow better.

Question 9

How do humans affect soil?

Accepted Answer

Humans can help soil by adding compost or planting trees. But they can also harm it by polluting or removing too many plants.

Question 10

What is erosion?

Accepted Answer

Erosion is when wind or water carries soil away. It can make it hard for plants to grow.

Question 11

Why is topsoil important?

Accepted Answer

Topsoil is important because it’s the most fertile layer, full of nutrients and living things. It’s where most plants grow their roots.

Question 12

What do fungi do in the soil?

Accepted Answer

Fungi break down dead material, turning it into nutrients. They help make the soil rich and healthy.

Question 13

How do soil organisms help plants?

Accepted Answer

Soil organisms, like worms and bacteria, help break down dead stuff to add nutrients to the soil. These nutrients are like plant food!

Question 14

Can plants grow without soil?

Accepted Answer

Some plants can grow without soil if they get their nutrients and water another way, like in water or special solutions. This is called hydroponics.

Question 15

What is the role of bacteria in soil?

Accepted Answer

Bacteria help break down dead things and recycle nutrients in the soil. They are tiny but very important for keeping the soil healthy.

Question 16

What is bedrock?

Accepted Answer

Bedrock is the solid rock layer under the soil. It’s very deep and doesn’t have much life or nutrients for plants.

Question 17

Why do plants need good soil?

Accepted Answer

Plants need good soil because it gives them water and nutrients. Good soil keeps plants healthy and helps them grow.

Question 18

How can we protect soil?

Accepted Answer

We can protect soil by planting trees, which hold the soil in place, and by not using too many chemicals. Composting also helps keep soil healthy.

Question 19

What is a nutrient cycle?

Accepted Answer

A nutrient cycle is how nutrients move from the soil, through plants, and back to the soil again. It’s like a big circle that helps keep the environment balanced.

Question 20

What happens if soil becomes unhealthy?

Accepted Answer

If soil becomes unhealthy, it may not hold enough water or have enough nutrients for plants. This can make it hard for anything to grow.

The Science of Soil: Layers, Organisms, and Nutrient Cycles - 20 FAQs Explained Simply