Page 158 - Primary Five Science

Soil

Soil is the top layer of the earth. Soils are the loose mineral

or organic materials found on the earth's surface

It is the medium in which plants grow and

where they get water and nutrients

Importance of Soil

 It holds plants firmly into the ground

 It is a home to small animals

 Soils provide plants with essential miner-

als and nutrients. Soils provide air for gase-

ous exchange between roots and atmosphere.

 Soils protect plants from erosion and other destructive activity.

 Soils hold water (moisture) and maintain adequate aeration.

Filtration system for surface water

After rainfall and snowmelts, water flows on the earth’s surface to water

bodies, but much of it soaks and gets infiltrated into the ground.

As it continues its way downwards through the many layers in the ground,

it is filtered from dust, chemicals and other contaminants. This is why aq-

uifers (underground water) are one of the purest sources of water.

Filtered water also provides plants with clean, unpolluted water needed

for growth.