Introduction

Soil is the dirt or earth that we see on the ground. It is very important for plants to grow healthy and strong.

What is soil made of?

• Sand: Soil can be made of tiny grains of sand like what we play with at the beach.
• Clay: Soil can also have sticky clay that we use to make pots.
• Silt: Soil can have soft silt that feels like flour.

How does soil help plants?

Plants need soil to:

• Give them support: Just like we need a bed to sleep on, plants need soil to stand and grow.
• Provide nutrients: Soil has food for plants to eat and grow big and tall.
• Hold water: Soil acts like a sponge that soaks up water for plants to drink.

Fun Activity

Go outside and dig a small hole in the ground. Look at the soil layers. Can you see sand, clay, or silt? Feel the soil and see how it sticks together.

Remember

• Soil is important for plants to grow.
• Soil is made of sand, clay, and silt.
• Plants need soil for support, nutrients, and water.