Let’s Check

1. What are the different layers of soil/soil horizons? The O-Horizon, Topsoil, Subsoil,
and Parent rock.
2. What are the compositions of soil?  It is composed of minerals, soil organic matter,
living organisms, gas, and water.
3. What are the macronutrients and micronutrients present in soil? The major nutrients,
or macronutrients, supplied by the soil are nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, sulfur,
magnesium and calcium. The minor nutrients, also referred to as micronutrients or trace
elements, supplied by the soil are molybdenum, copper, zinc, manganese, iron, nickel,
boron and chlorine.
Let’s Analyze
1. Differentiate permeability from porosity. More specifically, porosity of a rock is a
measure of its ability to hold a fluid. While on the other hand, Permeability is a measure
of the ease of flow of a fluid through a porous solid.
2. Your plants are showing signs of iron deficiency. You check the soil pH and it is 8.0.
What would most likely be the best way to eliminate the iron deficiency and why? Add
sulfur or acid organic so that the iron in the soil can become more.
3. How can knowledge of the climate of an area help you make an initial assessment of
soil fertility? The knowledge of climate of an area can help me because I would easily
know what the condition of the soil is whether it is dry, moist or even wet. Through this, I
can manage the soil nutrients efficiently to maintain soil fertility.
In a Nutshell
1. You know that the air around you is full of nitrogen, yet your garden regularly shows
signs that it could use a little of it. How can you harness some of the nitrogen for your
garden? Adding composted manure to the soil, and even planting nitrogen fixing plants
like peas or beans.
2. Is adding a large quantity of nitrogen-rich amendments to your garden before you
plant necessarily a good thing to do? Why or why not? No, because when you have too
much nitrogen in soil, your plants may look lush and green, but their ability to fruit and
flower will be greatly reduced. 
3. What is the most important thing you can do to a mineral soil in order to ensure an
adequate supply of and maximum availability of plant nutrients? Take care of it and
make sure to check it regularly. Reducing Pesticide Use and Provide Habitat for
Beneficial Organisms are also helpful in maintaining the mineral soil.