Generalized Framework
- Recognize soil as a important and dynamic resource.
- Recognize and identify the features of a soil profile, including constituents: clay, organic matter, sand, silt.
- Describe basic soil properties and soil formation factors.
- Identify soil horizons in the field.
- Determine basic soil properties and limitations (e.g., mottling and permeability) by analyzing soil samples.
- Assess soil water and nutrients, their movement, storage, and uptake by plants.
- In land use planning discussions, discuss how soil is a factor in or is impacted by non-point source pollution.
- Define and summarize the role of carbon sequestration.
- Use a USGS topographic map.
- Extract information about soils from USDA sources.
- Utilize soil information as a basis for land use decisions.
Suggested resources:
- Soils PowerPoint – 35MB (updated Nov 5, 2010)
- Soil Stories – Video
- Soils PowerPoint - FFA Soils Study Material
Soil texturing kits available for loan from Arizona Envirothon (602.771.8521) or from your local Natural Resource Conservation District office. (Contact AZ Envirothon for more information.)
