Soil Info Discussion Points

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Dirt refers to any loose soil, dust or mud that makes something “unclean” and does not support life. Example: Sweep the dirt off the floor

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Soil is a mixture of minerals, organic matter, gases, water and countless organisms that support life

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“Organic” refers to compounds that come from living matter

“Inorganic” refers to compounds that are derived from non-­living matter

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Minerals are naturally occurring inorganic compounds

The five major minerals in soil that plants need to grow are: ­Nitrogen (N) ­Calcium (Ca) ­Potassium (K) ­Phosphorus (P) ­Magnesium (Mg)

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Compost is a mixture of decomposed organic matter

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“Organic food” is food produced without the use of chemical fertilizers or herbicides

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Fertilizer is a substance added to soil to promote plant growth

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Properties of organic fertilizer:
● Derived from living organisms
● Requires bacteria in the soil to release nutrients slowly

● Contains micronutrients

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Properties of Synthetic Fertilizers

-Manmade in a lab 

-Dissolves in water and is quickly absorbed by the plants

-Does not contain micronutrients and may destroy microbes in the soil