SOIL AND WATER AS ABIOTIC FACTORS

Soil Quality

• Soil Profile/ Horizons
• Composition
• Texture
• Particle Size
• pH level
• Permeability

The Three Horizons

• Good, quality soil has three horizons.
• Horizon A has valuable topsoil that has humus, clay, and minerals in it. It is rich in nutrients. Most animals live here too.
• Horizon B is subsoil with little humus.
• Horizon C is parent material.

The Importance of pH and Permeability

• Permeability is open spaces in soil that allow water drainage. The closer packed, the less permeable
• Water needs to stay in the open spaces long enough for the roots to absorb the water.
• The water doesn't need to stay in the open spaces too long either. If the water stays too long, the water will rot the roots.
• Soil ranges from basic to acidic. This is called the pH level. If the soil is too acidic, it can kill the plant. The soil has to have the right amount of acidity. If it doesn't, it can kill the plant.

Good, quality soil is important. The reason why is so the plant can grow. If the soil is terrible, then the plant won't grow, or, it won't be a healthy plant.

Why is erosion a concern?

Erosion can remove the topsoil off of the soil. Topsoil is rich in so many nutrients. When the sop soil is taken off by erosion, then the plants won't grow as well.

Watershed
The watershed affects the water supply. The reason why is that when it runs off into rivers, and lakes, we don't have as much water as we did before.

What is an Aquifer?
An aquifer is an underground rock with ground water.

What is a Water Table?
A Water Table is ground water that flows through underground rocks. It can form tunnels and caves.

WAYS TO PROTECT OUR GROUNDWATER

• Use fewer chemicals around your home and yard. You should make sure you get rid of them properly.
• Shut off the water when you are brushing your teeth. Don't let the water run while you are waiting for it to get cold either.
• Check all of the faucets in your home. Make sure that they don't have a drip.
• Limit yourself to a five minute shower.
• Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle your things.