Soil is one of the most important and essential natural resources. Farmers and gardeners know this fact and go to great efforts to conserve it. They understand that when the soil is destroyed, then gardens will not be successful and good crops cannot grow. They also know that it takes a considerable amount of time for soil to form. Here we will look at elements that must come together in order to form soil.

Soil is defined as a covering over most of the earth's land surface. It is made of particles of rock and minerals, living things and the remains of living things. It takes thousands of years for soil to form just a few inches and for some parts of the country it has been less than that.

Soil is formed in two general ways:

· When weather conditions cause rock to break down.
· When soil is carried from one place to another.

How is soil made?

Air
Moving air, such as the wind blows sand against rock to wear it down.

Water
The force of running water can wear away rock. Rain and snow also help to break down rock into smaller particles.

Plants
Plants help the soil as they grow and when they die. As dead plants decay, it adds an organic material to the soil, which makes it more fertile.

Animals
The body waste of many animals helps to keep the soil fertile, as well as the remains of dead animals as they decay.

Now that you've had a lesson on the importance of soil as a natural resource and how it forms, you are now a more knowledgeable gardener. Use your knowledge to continually improve your gardening skills the next time you dig in the dirt to plant your flower or vegetable garden. Use your knowledge to develop an even greater appreciation for a natural resource that man cannot make, but has a responsibility to conserve and preserve for generations to come.



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