Introducing Soil

Dr. Elissa Levine Talks About The Soil And Its Importance To All Of Us

• Dr. Levine, the Principle Investigating Scientist for soil characterzation for the GLOBE Program talks about the importance of soil, why soil data are important, and how students can take part in soil studies.

How Much Soil Is There?

• Have you ever wondered just how much soil there is on the Earth to grow plants? Go to "How Much Soil Is There?" to find out.

Dr. Soil (Beginning Learning Activity Introducing Soil Science Concepts)

• A terrific learning activity to introduce soil science and characterization concepts.

In the time it took to form one inch of soil...

• Soil can form pretty slowly. Head over here for some perspective on just how slowly soil forms.

How Does Your Garden Grow?

• Here is some information on soil fertility.
  Soil Forming Factors
  • Over time, the four factors below form soil.
    • Earth Deposits: A Basis for Creating Landforms and Soil
    • About Minerals
    • Parent Material: The Story Of Rocks and Soil
    • About Weathering

Soil Characterization Protocols: A Step-By-Step Guide

• Here are the step-by-step instructions for the GLOBE Soil Characterization protocols. There are images and instructions to download or print out.
  Field Analysis
  • Introduction
  • Instruments for Field Analysis
  • Finding and Describing Horizons
  • Horizon Properties
  • Soil Sampling
  • Final Analysis Conclusion
  Laboratory Analysis
  • Characterization Laboratory Analysis
  • Instruments for Laboratory Analysis
  • Laboratory Analysis Protocols

Soil Fertility

The Nitrogen Fate Transformations Game (NFTG)

• Play the game. It's fun and you'll learn a lot!

The Nitrogen Cycle

• Nitrogen transformations in soil, water, & air.

The Plant Nutrient Team Activity Book

• This is a great activity book for learning about plants and the nutrients that they need to grow and thrive.

Soil Chemistry

Soils As Electrical Systems

• A learning activity by Larry P Wilding, of Texas A&M University, to show how the soil is an electrical system.

Soil pH

• See the pH values of many different plants, trees, fruits and vegetables.

Filtering Qualities of Soils

• A learning activity by Larry P Wilding, of Texas A&M University, to show how the soil acts as a filtering medium.

Soil Physics

Soil Sizes - Some Surprises

• Learn about the different soil particle sizes and find out the difference between sand, silt, and clay.

Soil Microbiology

Soil Microbes

• A great learning activity to help you understand all about microorganisms that live in the soil.

Soil Morphology

Texture By Feel (Or How do those soil judges do it anyway?)

• Learn all about how to conduct the soil texture by feel protocol.

Soil Structure Information and Images (or So What Shapes Does Soil Come In Anyway?) (Over 140k)

• Learn about the different shapes soil peds (or units) can be and see some examples of different soil structure.

Soil Characterization Field Guide

• Brand new, this field guide can be printed out and used out in the field to complete the GLOBE soil characterization horizon description protocols.

Adventures With Bolivian Soil

• Read about the great adventure.

Tales From The Pit

• Students and Teachers Write About their Experiences With Soil.
• Cape May City Elementary School
• Marlow Middle School
• Mid Valley Secondary Center
• St. Peter's School

Soil Gallery

• Here are some amazing soil profile images from different places.

Soil Of The Month

• Take a look at the soil of the month.

Soils and the GLOBE Program

Soil Characterization Viewgraph Downloads

• Go here if you'd like to download the GLOBE Program's Soil Characterization Protocol PowerPoint presentations.

Resources

Books and Videos: A Resource Guide For Students and Teachers

• Here are some great resources to look at if you'd like to learn more about the soil.