Taking care of Soil

Prepared by : Ms. Prerna Kalsekar

What is soil ?

The top most layer on the surface of the land is mostly covered with soil. The soil that you has taken thousands of years to form.

How was soil formed?

In the beginning the earth was covered with rock

The heat from the sun heated the Earth and the rain cooled it.

As a result, the rocky surface cracked

The wind and the flowing water widened the cracks

With time, the rocks broke into pieces

Gradually, the rocks changed into pebbles, sand and clay

Tiny plants grew. Their remains mixed with the pebbles, clay and sand, and soil was formed

Later, animals appeared and their remains too mixed with the soil

Plants depend on soil : All kinds of terrestrial plants grow in soil

Animals too depend on soil. Soil is home to many animals

Plants depend on soil : All kinds of terrestrial plants grow in soil

Water that seeps into the earth is filtered by the layers of soil.

Soil changes plant and anim waste into plant nutrients

Soil erosion by water

Deforestation: Excessive cutting of trees in a forest is called Forestation

Overgrazing of cattle leads to destruction of plants

Overgrazing:

Prevention of soil erosion is called soil conversation

Soil Conservation:

In hilly regions, farmers convert hills into steps to grow crops. Such farms are known as terrace farms

Terrace Farming:

To reduce the adverse effects of strong winds during the dry season land is covered by growing grass

Cover Crops:

Barriers of plants to reduce the force of wind and water are known as Shelter Belts

Shelter Belts: