What is soil made of?

Soil is made up of a mixture of organic material and minerals. The organic matter comes from dead plants and many of the minerals come from the rocks underground. These rocks, which are part of the lithosphere, are referred to as bedrock. Because the plants grow on top of the soil and the rocks are found underground, soil is made up of layers.

Different types of soil

The type of soil that forms in a region will depend upon the climate, the bedrock underground, and the plants growing there. In deciduous forests the soil may be deep, rich, and dark brown in colour. In sandy areas the soil will be dry with a dusty grey colour. In tropical regions the soil is often very deep and bright red.

• Environmental Factors Appropriate for Life
• Soil
• Life in the Soil
• Associated Practical Work
• Questions relating to this chapter
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© Paul Billiet, Shirley Burchill, Alan Damon and Deborah James 2009