Senior High School

Earth Science

Quarter 1-Module 7
Human Activities that Affect the Soil

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 Earth Science – Grade 11/12
Alternative Delivery Mode
Quarter 1 - Module 7: Human Activities that Affect the Soil
Second Edition, 2021

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Published by the Department of Education – Division of Cebu City
Schools Division Superintendent: Rhea Mar A. Angtud, Ed.D. CESO V

Development Team of the Module

Writer: Leonora I. Micame, MT 1, Pardo National High School

Content Editors:

Mrs. Jocelyn C. Butanas – Master Teacher I, Talamban National High School

Mrs. Celia C. Gepitulan, Principal I, Regino Mercado Night High School
Mr. Rey A. Kimilat, Head Teacher V, Abellana National High School
Mr. Bonnie James A. Saclolo, Teacher III, Cebu City National Science HS

Language Editor: Roquesa Sabejon, PSDS, ND7

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Dr. Rhea Mar A. Angtud, Schools Division Superintendent
Dr. Bernadette A. Susvilla, Assistant Schools Division Superintendent
Mrs. Grecia F. Bataluna, CID Chief
Dr. Raylene S. Manawatao, EPS, EPS- Science
Mrs. Vanessa L. Harayo, EPS-LRMDS

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 Quarter 1-Module 7
Human Activities that Affect the Soil

According to Charles E. Kellogg (1902–1980), “There can be no life

without soil and no soil without life.” We probably must admit that life without soil
is impossible. Human being depends on the link between soil and the
environment. However, the present state of soil is increasingly far from normal:
human pressures on soil resources have reached critical limits. Soils are altered
and polluted. Some of them have already disappeared. In this module, you will
learn the basic concepts about the soil (Lesson 1) and the human activities that
affect it (Lesson 2).

What I Need to Know

Content Standard : The learners demonstrate understanding on the

the distribution of arable land on Earth

Performance Standard : Prepare a plan that the community may

implement to minimize waste when people utilize
materials and resources

MELCs/Codes : Identify human activities, such as farming,

construction of structures, and waste disposal,
that affect the quality and quantity of soil(S11ES-
Ih-17)

Give ways of conserving and protecting the soil for

future generations. (S11ES-Ih-i-18)
Objectives

At the end of the lesson, the learners will be able to:

1. give the components of soil;

2. discuss the importance of soil;
3. identify human activities that affect the quality and quantity of soil; and
4. cite ways of conserving and protecting the soil for future generations.

What I Know

Write the letter of the correct answer on a separate sheet of paper.

1. What is the most abundant component of soil?
A. air B. water C. mineral D. organic matter
2. What topography contains poor soils?
A. flat land B. steep slope C. gentle slope D. All of the above
3. What burrowing animals do to the soil? They provide ___________ to the soil.
A. fertility B. moisture C. aeration D. All of the above
4. On average, how long does it take for one centimeter of soil to form?
A. 50-100 years B. 100-200 years C. 200-300 years D. 200-400 years

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5. Why is humus (organic matter) an important part of the soil? It is important
because it __________________________________.
A. helps to improve water infiltration
B. can break down organic pollutants
C. is rich in nutrients, which is important for soil fertility
D. converts nitrogen in the air into nitrates used by plants
6. What is the average composition of soil?
A. 25% air, 5% water, 70% mineral material
B. 5% organic matter, 25% air, 25% water, 45% mineral
C. 10% organic matter, 20% air, 25% water, 45% mineral
D. 10% organic matter, 40% air, 40% water, 10% mineral
7. Which part of the soil profile is composed of loose or partially decayed organic
matter?
A. horizon A B. horizon B C. horizon C D. horizon O
8. What describes an arable land?
A. plowable B. habitable C. sustainable D. All of the above
9. Why do farmers use contour plowing and terracing? They use contour plowing
and terracing to _________________________.
A. allow weathering C. prevent erosion
B. cultivate the soil D. expand area of the farm
10. What is soil erosion? Soil erosion is the _________________________________.
A. process of soil formation
B. removal of nutrients from the soil
C. natural method of filtering harmful pollutants
D. removal and transport of soil by wind or water
11. What is the reason for putting “Keep off the grass” or “Don’t walk on the
grass” sign? The reason for this sign is to _____________________________.
A. protect the grass C. avoid soil compaction
B. prevent soil erosion D. keep the grass healthy
12. In what ways does urbanization affect soil degradation?
I. Large area of land gets polluted in urban places.
II. Concrete structures cover the soil permanently.
III. Concreting the land surface hinders the soil’s interaction with air, water
and living things.
IV. Covered soil cannot participate in the nutrient cycling and other soil services.
A. I, II & III only B. I, III & IV only C. II, III & IV only D. I, II, III & IV
13. Which of the following human activities DOES NOT contribute to soil erosion?
A. mining C. walking of wet soil
B. deforestation D. over grazing of animals
14. Why is intensive agriculture not good for the soil? Intensive agriculture is
harmful to the soil because it causes______________________.
A. soil compaction C. damage to soil properties
B. loss of organic matter D. All of the above
15. When does the soil become more vulnerable to erosion? Soil is more
vulnerable to erosion if it is________.
A. dry B. moist C. loose D. bare or exposed

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 Lesson 1 – The Soils of the Earth
Soil is the outer, very thin coat of the planet’s crust. This coat can be as
thin as a few millimeters, or as thick as a few meters when time and stable
environmental conditions favor long soil formation. Soil always comprises a
complex mixture of gases, mineral and organic particles, liquids, and life – all of
which interact with each other. It provides support systems from the tiniest living
creatures up to the biggest land animals and most especially human beings. This
is where we grow crops like fruits and vegetables that we eat for nourishment.
Healthy soil yields good food.

What’s In

Instruction: Study the set of images below and answer the question that
follows on a separate sheet of paper.

This is where burrowing animals live and photosynthetic

organisms anchor as they grow. What is this place?

Answer: ____________________

What’s New

Instruction: Study the graphic organizer below and answer the question that
follows on a separate sheet of paper.

Source: https://tinyurl.com/26u2ekav

What is a Pedosphere as presented in the graphic organizer?

Answer: ______________________________

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 What Is It

Pedosphere is the outermost layer of Earth that is composed of soil. This

can be described as the interface where the lithosphere (rocks), the atmosphere,
the hydrosphere, and the biosphere intersect. It forms as the foundation of
terrestrial life on this planet. The term “pedosphere” is derived from the Greek
words pedon which means “soil” and sfaira which means “sphere.” The
pedosphere is considered as the living “skin of Earth” because it has tiny pore
spaces like your skin. If it does not get enough moisture, it dries out making it
barren or incapable of supporting life. The abundance of life, habitats, and
opportunities for human occupation mirror the tremendous variety of soils that
are the Earth’s living skin.

The Components of Soil

Soil is made from portions of the

geosphere, atmosphere, hydrosphere,
and biosphere. It is generally composed
of 45% mineral (gravel, sand, silt, and
clay), 25% air, 25% water, and 5%
organic matter (humus, roots, and dead
and decaying organisms) as shown in
Figure 1.1. These components reflect Figure 1.1. Soil Composition
the processes that formed the soil. Source: https://tinyurl.com/69un2y8m

Soil Formation

Soil forms when rock weathers. Weathering is the breakdown of rocks as

the result of physical or chemical change. The process of soil formation maybe
slow or rapid depending on the factors at play.

Factors that Affect Soil Formation

1. Parent material – The chemistry and type of the parent rock or source
material determines the kind of soil that will be formed along with the
effects of the other factors. Soils formed on site through the weathering of
the underlying rock are called residual soils. However, most soils are
transported from their source to another area by agents or erosion and
transportation such as water, wind, and ice.

2. Climate – Temperature and moisture influence the speed of chemical

reactions, which in turn help control how fast rocks weather and dead
organisms decompose. Soils develop faster in warm, moist climates and
slowest in cold or arid ones.

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 3. Topography – The shape of the
land and the direction it faces make
a difference in the amount of
sunlight the soil gets and how much
water it keeps. Soils that form in
steep slopes tend to be thinner
because of the higher rates of
erosion. Deeper soils form at the
bottom of a hill because gravity and
water move soil particles down the
slope. The direction of the slope face
affects temperature and moisture
as slopes facing the sun are
warmer. As a result, different types
of soil form in different landforms
(Figure 1.2)

4. Biological factors – Living things affect soil formation. Animals and

microorganisms mix the soil and provide aeration as they burrow. Plant
roots aid in the weathering process as they grow. Fungi and bacteria add
nutrient to the soil by decomposing organic matter (materials from living
things) and allow chemical exchanges between roots and soil. Human
activities such as agriculture and urbanization have both positive and
negative effects on the quantity and quality of soil.

5. Time – The formation of soil is a long and continuous process which may
take hundreds to thousands of years depending on the climate and
environment. In moderate climates, it takes 200 to 400 years to develop
1cm of soil. The rate is faster in tropical climates and much longer in dry
and cold climates.

All factors work together over

time. These are responsible for the
soil properties (Figure 1.3). Older
soils differ from younger soils
because they have had longer time to
develop. As soil ages, it starts to look
different from its parent material.
That is because soil is dynamic. Its
components such as minerals, water, Google.com
air, organic matter, and organisms
constantly change. Components are
added and lost. Some move from Figure 1.3. Factors or processes that
place to place within the soil. And affect soil formation
some components are totally Source: https://tinyurl.com/kbhc6r7c

changed or transformed.

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 Figure 1.4. The mechanical and chemical processes involved in soil formation.
Source: http://www.mrspage.com/ESS_New/Topic%205/5.1%20Intro%20to%20Soil%20Systems.pdf

Soil formation is actually a very slow process involving both mechanical

and chemical processes. Mechanical process includes weathering of rocks and
deposition of sediments by erosion. Chemical process involved is the
decomposition of organic matter (Figure 1.4).

Soil Texture

Soil texture is defined as the relative proportion of the particle sizes in the
soil-sand, silt, and clay. Soil is naturally composed of a mixture of these particles
and proportion of which affects other soil properties such as soil porosity and
water retention. The ideal soil for agricultural use is loam. Loam provides good
aeration and drainage properties of large particles with nutrient-retention and
water-holding abilities of clay. Table 1.1 shows the types of soil and their
characteristics.

Table 1.1. Types of soil based on particle size.

Type of Soil Size Characteristics

Clay less than 0.002 mm heavy, high in nutrients, high water
retention, wet and cold in winter and
baked dry in summer
Silt 0.002-0.05 mm fertile, light but moisture-retentive, and
easily compacted
Sandy 0.05-2.00 mm light, dry, warm, low in nutrients, has
quick water drainage and often acidic
Loam - mixtures of clay, sand and silt that avoid
the extremes of each type, fertile, easy to
work with and provide good drainage.

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Soil Profile

Soil formation is a gradual process which involves the development of

succession of zones or soil horizons. If you look in a soil pit or on a roadside cut,
you will see various layers in the soil. These layers are called soil horizons. The
arrangement of these horizons in a soil is known as a soil profile. Soil profiles
vary depending on climate, topography, rock type or parent rock materials,
biological activity, and time. Soil scientists, who are also called pedologists,
observe and describe soil profiles and soil horizons to classify and interpret the
soil for various uses.

Soil horizons differ in a few easily seen soil properties such as color, texture,
structure, and thickness. Other properties are less visible. Properties, such as
chemical and mineral content, consistency, and reaction require special
laboratory tests. All these properties are used to define types of soil horizons.

Soil scientists use the capital letters O, A, B, C, and E to identify the master
horizons, and lowercase letters for distinctions of these horizons (Figure 1.5).
Most soils have three major horizons.
The surface horizon (A) is composed of
mineral matter mixed with some dark
organic humus. The subsoil (B) is the
accumulated clay and nutrients from
the layers above it. The substratum
(C) is composed of partially altered
parent rock material. Some soils have
an organic horizon (O) on the surface
composed of loose or partially decayed
organic matter, but this horizon can
also be buried. Some have horizon (E)
that has a significant loss of minerals
(eluviation) and leaching. Hard
bedrock, which is not soil, uses the
letter R while the layer of loose,
heterogeneous, superficial material
covering the bedrock is collectively
called rigolith.

Wow! You’re now done with Lesson 1.

Get ready to proceed to the next lesson.
Enjoy studying!

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 Lesson 2 – Human Activities that Affect
the Soil

Processes that degrade soil occur all around the globe, silently and often
without public outcry. In this lesson, you will learn how do we benefit from soil, the
effects of our activities to the quality and quantity of soil, and what we can do to keep
the health the soil.

What’s In

Instruction: Answer the questions to review the previous lesson and write your
answer on a separate sheet of paper.

1. How long does it take for 1cm of soil to develop? ___________________________

2. Name the factors that affect soil formation. _____________, _________________,
_________________, ________________, ________________

What’s New

Activity 1 – When the Soil is Lost (A thought experiment)

Adapted from: https://soils.landcareresearch.co.nz/understanding-soils/
why-bother-about-soils/

Instruction:

Imagine what would happen if we suddenly lost all the soil in the world and
everything it contains. Consider the consequences on the following and write
your inference on a piece of paper.
A. Food (agricultural products) ___________________________________________
B. Water (water cycle, groundwater reservoirs) ____________________________
C. Biodiversity (plants and animals) ______________________________________

What is It

Soil ad Soil Quality

Some people perceive soil as dirt but, it is a resource. It is the main component
of land resources, agriculture, and ecological sustainability. It also provides food
and foundation for shelter. Soil is important in sustaining man’s existence and
provides humans with the following services:

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1. Arable land for agriculture – The
word “arable” comes from the Latin
word arabilis, which means able to
be plowed (Figure 2.1). Thus,
arable lands are plowable lands
which could be used to grow crops.
An important component of arable
lands is soil that can sustain plant
and animal life. According to
statistics from the World Bank, the
agricultural land in the Philippines
from 2011-2015 is 41.7% of its
total land area.

2. Regulating water and filtering potential pollutants – In the water cycle, soil
plays an important part in absorbing water and storing it as groundwater.
Water and dissolved solutes also flow over the land or into and through the
soil. The minerals and microbes in soil are also responsible for filtering,
degrading, immobilizing, and detoxifying organic and inorganic materials
(Figure 2.2).

Figure 2.2. The soil’s ability to remove pollutants

Source: https://tinyurl.com/ynpnyc28

3. Nutrient cycling – Carbon, nitrogen, phosphorus, and other essential

nutrients are stored, transformed, and cycled in the soil. Nitrogen in the
atmosphere, for example, cannot be readily used by organisms. It must be
first converted into ammonium by nitrogen-fixing bacteria then into nitrites
by nitrifying bacteria in the process called nitrification. Then finally, nitrites
are transformed into nitrates which can be assimilated by plants and
transferred into the food chain (Figure 2.3). All these processes occur within
the soil.

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 Figure 2.3. The process of nitrogen cycle
Source: https://tinyurl.com/2d7pfa22

4. Foundation and support – Soil structure provides a base for plant roots. Soils
along the bedrock also provide foundation and support for human shelter and
structures such as houses and roads.

5. Mineral deposits – Soils are mixed for their mineral content – whether it be
iron, nickel, or aluminum. These soils are called laterites. They are commonly
formed in hot and wet tropical areas. Laterites are mostly rusty-red in color
because of its high iron oxide content. They develop through an intense and
extended chemical weathering of the underlying parent rock, resulting in a
thick accumulation of metals in the soil.

How Human Activities Degrade the Soil

Soil is a nonrenewable, finite resource which is generally not recoverable

within a human lifespan. It is an important natural resource, but often overlooked.
The increasing demands of an ever-growing populations is putting pressure on the
world’s soil resources through intensive agriculture and fertilizer use, land
conversions, and rapid urbanization.

The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (UN FAO) define
soil degradation as a change in the soil health status resulting in a diminished
capacity of the ecosystem to provide goods and services for its beneficiaries.
Degraded soils cannot provide the goods and services required by its ecosystem.
While soil degradation may occur naturally, it has been highly aggravated by
anthropogenic activities. Besides, climate change combined with human activities
continues to worsen soil degradation.

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 1. Soil erosion refers to absolute soil losses in
terms of topsoil and nutrients. This is
intensified when the soil is bare or exposed
due to the absence of vegetation as ground
cover. So, wind and water can easily remove
the topsoil. It is indeed the most visible effect
of soil degradation (Figure 2.4). Soil erosion
is a natural process but is often made much
worse by poor management.

2. Soil compaction reduces the amount

of air, water, and space available to roots
and soil organisms. Look at how it
affects to the growth of plants as shown
in Figure 2.5. When the amount of water
is reduced (1) or the space for air is
decreased (3), notice that the growth of
the plant is stunted. Whereas if the soil
is loose and there is enough space for air
and water, plant’s growth is better (2).
This happens when the soil is
compacted. An example of compaction is
caused by repeated traffic or traveling on
wet soil.

3. Desertification is the irreversible change of

the land to such a state where it can no longer
be recovered for its original use (Figure 2.6). It
is characterized by droughts and arid
conditions because of human activities and
exploitation. Desertification is a major threat
to world soils and currently affects about one-
sixth of the world’s population and a quarter of
the world’s land.

4. Intensive agriculture has been increasing since the 1960s to feed the world
population more efficiently. However, this intensification of agriculture has
led to the use of more and heavier machinery, deforestation, and clearing of
land for use in cultivation. Consequently, these activities led to the loss of
organic matter, soil compaction, and damage to soil physical properties. The
over-application of nutrients with fertilizers and pesticides led to
contaminated soil fauna and flora which are an essential part of a healthy soil.

5. Urbanization or the increasing population has led to the conversion of land

to urban centers which are generally characterized by concrete structures,
roads, and pavements. These concrete structures represent a significant loss
of soil, particularly because this loss becomes permanent as soil is sealed with

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 concrete. Such sealing hinders the soil’s interaction with the atmosphere,
hydrosphere, and biosphere which affects nutrient cycling and other soil
services.

According to the UN FAO, 33% of global soil is moderately to highly degraded

through erosion, salinization, compaction, acidification, chemical pollution, and
nutrient depletion which hamper soil functions and limit food production.

Soil is especially vulnerable to erosion if it is bare or exposed. Plants therefore

serve a tremendous role in preventing soil erosion. If the soil is covered with plants,
erosion is slowed down. But when soil is bare, the rate of erosion speeds up
tremendously. Here are some human activities that leave the soil exposed and speed
up erosion. We speed up erosion through the following actions.

1. Agricultural Depletion – Farming can degrade the topsoil and lead to an

increase in erosion. To plant a field, a farmer must first till the soil, breaking
it up and loosening it so the new plants can take root. Once the plants are
harvested, the loose soil remains, and wind or rain can easily wash it away.
In the 1930s, much of the American
plains suffered greatly from erosion
due to non-sustainable farming
practices, creating the Dust Bowl
and leading to widespread poverty
and migration to the west coast
(Figure 2.7). In temperate countries
planting cover crops in the fall can
help maintain the soil through the
winter months, reducing the
amount of erosion. In addition,
rotating the crops planted can help
return nutrients to the soil to
prevent its degradation.

2. Overgrazing Animals - Grazing animals are animals that live on large areas
of grassland. They wander over the area and eat grasses and shrubs. They can
remove large amounts of the plant cover for an area. If too many animals graze
the same land area, once the tips of grasses and shrubs have been eaten, they
will use their hooves to pull plants out by their roots.

3. Deforestation - Deforestation is another practice that can greatly increase

the rate of erosion in a region. One of the most important barriers to erosion
is plant life, as long-lived trees and other species put down roots that literally
help hold the soil together. Logging kills these plants, and even if the operation
plants new trees to replace the old ones, the younger plants require years to
put down the kind of root system that once protected the soil. Timber
companies utilize a variety of different techniques, such as partial clearing
and replanting, to prevent soil degradation and erosion in their work zones.

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 4. Mining operations are major contributors to erosion, especially on a local
level. Many mining techniques involve shifting large amounts of earth, such
as strip mining or mountaintop removal. These operations leave large
amounts of loose soil exposed to the
elements, and they often require
large amounts of water, which can
worsen the erosion process (Figure
2.8). Even once the mining operation
is completed and the company
replaces the earth, it lacks the
established vegetation that helps it
maintain its coherency before
removal, and until plants can
reestablish themselves. Thus,
erosion will continue to be a problem.

5. Development and Expansion - Urban and suburban development can also

worsen erosion especially if the developers ignore the natural state of the land.
Construction of a building often begins by clearing the area of any plants or
other natural defenses against soil erosion. In addition, some landscapers
replace natural ground cover with plant species unsuited to the climate, and
these plants may not be as effective at preventing erosion.

6. Recreational activities - Humans also cause erosion through recreational

activities, like hiking and riding off-road vehicles. An even greater amount of
erosion occurs when people drive off-road vehicles over an area. The area
eventually develops bare spots where no plants can grow (Figure 2.9). Erosion
becomes a serious problem in these areas.

Figure 2.9. Bare spots are created in this area due to

off-road driving activity
Source: https://tinyurl.com/26vzj38y

Conservation of Soil Resource

The effects of human activities on soil can be mitigated through sustainable

soil management such as increasing soil organic matter content, keeping the soil
surface vegetated, avoiding excessive tillage, using nutrients wisely, promoting crop
rotations, reducing erosion, and preventing soil compaction.

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1. Increasing soil organic matter – The addition of new organic matter is
important in improving and
maintaining soil quality. Organic
fertilizers nourish not only the
plant but the soil as well, thus
feeding the soil (Figure 2.10). It
also improves soil structure and
enhances water and nutrient-
holding capacity. Whereas
synthetic fertilizers only feed the
plant but not the soil.

Organic material is anything that was alive and is now in or on the soil.
Organic matter is what all those things become when they are broken down
and begin to release their nutrients. Once the organic material breaks down
it becomes humus. Humus can hold 80-90% of its weight in its water, which
means it is amazing at protecting the soil from drought. In addition, humus
can help balance excessive pH levels and prevent disease and preserve overall
soil structure.

2. Keeping the soil covered and vegetated – Ground cover and vegetation protects
the soil specially from erosion. It also provides habitats for larger soil
organisms and can improve water availability. Erosion can be reduced by
doing the following:

a) Mulching – putting materials on the soil surface to prevent loss of water by

evaporation, to cut down weed
growth, to reduce temperature
fluctuations and to promote soil
productivity (Figure 2.11). This can
be organic mulch (ex. compost, grass
clippings, wood chips, crop residue,
etc.) and inorganic (ex. black plastic
to block sunlight so weeds will not
grow).

b) Planting perennial plant cover (ex. carabao grass, bermuda grass) and
cover crop (ex. peanut and mongo) to replenish soil nutrients.

c) Placing crushed stone, wood chips, and other similar materials in heavily
used areas where vegetation is hard to establish and maintain.

3. Avoiding excessive tillage – Tillage is done to loosen surface soil and break up
soil structure. Reducing it minimizes the loss of organic matter and protects
the soil surface from further erosion.

4. Manage pests and nutrient efficiently – Efficient pest and nutrient

management requires regular testing and monitoring soil conditions and pests,

17
 along with the application of only the necessary chemicals at the right time
and place.

5. Promoting crop rotation – Changing vegetation across the landscape over time
allows the soil to recover, as different plants
contribute in a unique way to soil structure
and composition. It also increases the
diversity of plants as well as other organisms
in the area. Figure 2.11 below shows crops
that can be planted sequentially on the same
plot of land to improve soil health, optimize
nutrients in the soil, and combat pest and
weed pressure.

6. Reducing erosion and preventing soil compaction – Erosion can be prevented

by keeping the ground covered and vegetated and by channeling excess
surface water runoff. Soil compaction can be prevented by restricting human
activities to designated areas and pathways.

5 Practical Ways to Conserve Soil

1. Plant trees and groundcover. The vegetative cover acts as a barrier against
erosion by wind and softens the impact of rain. Roots stabilize the soil and,
at the same time, naturally and slowly loosen the soil and draw nutrients into
the plants.

2. Employ “no-dig” gathering techniques. Digging can loosen compacted soil, but
it can also disturb the structure and leave it move vulnerable to erosion from
wind and water. An example of this technique is a “No-Dig Bed” shown in
Figure 2.13.

3. Avoid compacting soil. Do not walk on soil that is soaking wet. Create
dedicated paths in gardens and wilderness areas and stick to them.

4. When hiking in natural areas, do not make shortcuts that will destroy plant
life and enhance erosion.

5. Control rainwater runoff. Create suitable runoff channels and drains to help
prevent soil erosion.

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 • What’s More

Activity 2 – Reflection

Instruction: Reflect on the quotations below and write your ideas on a piece of paper.

A) “Essentially, all life depends upon the soil ... There can be no life without soil
and no soil without life; they have evolved together.” - Charles E.
Kellogg, USDA Yearbook of Agriculture, 1938
B) “The nation that destroys its soil, destroys itself.” - Franklin Delano Roosevelt

Rubric for rating students’ reflection:

CRITERIA Fair Good Excellent
No insight to subject
Shows insights; Fully addresses topic
Reflection & matter; Response is Response and or in-depth insight on
Analysis not cohesive or does
analysis the topic; Analysis is
6points not show
appropriately very specific to the
relationship to their
address the topic topic; all ideas are
personal life. but has limited clearly stated and
(2 pts) relationship to related to personal life
personal life (4 pts.) (6 pts.)
Spelling and Both spelling and Spelling and Spelling and grammar
Grammar grammar have 6 or grammar have 3-5 have only 1-2 errors.
3 points more errors (1 pt.) errors. (2 pts.) (3 pts)

Sentence Sentences are Very few errors in Sentence structure

Structure & incomplete and hard sentence structure and punctuation are
Punctuation to follow. or punctuation correct with no glaring
3 points (1 pt.) (2 pts.) errors. (3 pts.)
TOTAL 4 points 8 points 12 points
POINTS

What I Have Learned

Instructions:

1. Fill in the blanks to complete the concept map (found on the next page) that
summarizes your learning.

2. Use a separate sheet for your answers.

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 What I Can Do

Activity 3 – Ways to Conserve and Protect the Soil

Instructions:

1. Supply the missing words to complete the strategies on how to prevent

degradation of soil.
2. Choose from the list of words found below.
3. Write your answers on a piece of paper.

trees organic
crops compost
reduce fibrous
replant vegetation
pathways “green space”

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 Factors that Strategies for Prevention
Degrade the Soil
Soil erosion Plant something which have 1) _________ roots that can hold the
topsoil.
Soil erosion Cut only small areas at one time and quickly 2) ________logged
areas with new seedlings
urbanization 3)_________ the amount of land that we turn into cities, urban
areas, parking lots, etc.
urbanization Keep as much as 4) _________in cities as possible, such as strips
of trees where plants can grow
desertification Plant tall 5) ________ around fields to buffer the effects of wind
desertification Move grazing animals throughout the year, so they do not
consume all the 6) ________ in one spot
soil compaction Add 7) ________ or manure that helps attract earthworms which
break the soil into more loose clumps
soil compaction Walk on 8) ________ when in the garden or park.
intensive agriculture Practice growing different 9) _______ in succession on the same
field
intensive agriculture Use 10) _______ fertilizers and pesticides to maintain good quality soil

Assessment

Write the letter of the correct answer on a separate sheet of paper.

1. What component of soil consists of humus, roots, and dead and decaying
organisms?
A. air B. water C. mineral D. organic matter
2. Which of the following soils are found on steep slope?
A. great B. average C. poor D. All of the above
3. How do fungi and bacteria add nutrient to the soil? Fungi and bacteria add
nutrient to the soil by __________________________.
A. decomposing organic matter
B. filtering pollutants from the soil
C. breaking the soil into smaller clumps
D. allowing chemical exchanges between roots and soil.
4. Where on Earth the rate of soil formation is faster?
A. desert B. tropics C. cold region D. equatorial region
5. Why is loam soil best for growing crops? Loam is best for the growth of plants
because it _____________.
I. is fertile III. provides good drainage
II. has water retention IV. a mixture of clay, sand, and silt
A. I only B. I and II only C. I, II & III only D. I, II, III & IV
6. Which type of soil easily gets compacted?
A. clay B. sand C. silt D. gravel
7. What makes topsoil the most important layer of the soil profile? It is very important
because it is composed of____________.
A. the accumulated clay and nutrients
B. loosed or partially decayed organic matter
C. composed of mineral matter mixed humus
D. composed of partially altered parent rock material

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8. Which of the following is the role of minerals and microbes in the soil?
A. filter pollutants C. make the soil porous
B. keep the nutrients D. remove excess water
9. Erosion is very little in an area next to a river where there are many trees. Which
of the following best explains this? The ____________.
A. trees contain many bacteria C. tree roots absorb water in the soil
B. trees provide the soil with shade D. tree roots help hold the soil in place
10. What example of human activity is clearing a portion of a forest and converting
it to a farmland?
A. urbanization B. deforestation C. desertification D. soil compaction
11. Why is it good to walk on pathways? It is good because it __________________.
A. protects the grass C. avoids soil compaction
B. prevents soil erosion D. keeps the grass healthy
12. What are the advantages of adding organic matter to the soil? These could ____.
I. increase soil fertility
II. hold water in the soil
III. help balance excessive pH levels
IV. prevent disease and preserve overall soil structure.
A. I only B. I & II only C. I, II, III only D. All of the above
13. What does mulching do to the soil? It ________________to the soil.
A. adds fertility C. prevents erosion
B. reduces compaction D. increases the amount
14. Why is intensive agriculture harmful for the soil? It is harmful because it could
lead to ______________________.
A. soil compaction C. damage to soil properties
B. loss of organic matter D. All of the above
15. What is the common effect of overgrazing of animals and deforestation on the
soil? It could cause ______________.
A. acidification B. compaction C. erosion D. pollution

References:

A). Internet Sources

https://tinyurl.com/4f2uapbr
https://tinyurl.com/3yawk9sd
https://tinyurl.com/53x4n62d
https://www.soils.org/files/sssa/iys/march-soils-overview.pdf
https://tinyurl.com/6wvhuydx
https://www.wikihow.com/Prevent-Soil-Erosion
https://home.howstuffworks.com/green-living/inexpensive-prevent-erosion.htm
https://soils.landcareresearch.co.nz/understanding-soils/why-bother-about-soils/
https://www.nrcs.usda.gov/wps/portal/nrcs/main/ky/soils/health/
https://omahaorganicslawncare.com/blog/organic-matter-soil/
https://tinyurl.com/5fcth54x
https://www.agrifarming.in/types-of-mulching-advantages-of-mulching
https://www.rcampus.com/rubricshowc.cfm?code=N77X3W&sp=true

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B.) Book
Olivar, J.T. II, Rodolfo, R., & Cabria, H. (2016). Exploring Life Through Science: Earth
Science. Quezon City, Philippines: Phoenix Publishing House, Inc.

For inquiries or feedback, please write or call:

Department of Education – Division of Cebu City

Office Address: Imus Street, Cebu City
Telephone Nos.: (032) 255-1516 / (032) 253-9095
E-mail Address :cebu.city@deped.gov.ph

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