Soils Crossword

a complex plant-supporting system made up of disintegrated rock, remains and wastes of organisms, water, gases, nutrients and microorganisms
the base geological material in a particular location
the continuous mass of solid rock that makes up Earth's crust
describes the physical and chemical processes that break down rocks and minerals into smaller particles
Pick-up, transport, and drop-off of material from one place to another
Breakdown of waste, organisms, and organic material (living or once-living) into simple molecules
distinct layers of soil
cross section of all the soil horizons
Different crops mixed together
Crops are alternated
Tall plants block wind
Soil turnover is reduced
Steep slopes turned into “steps”
Planting perpendicular to hill’s slope
loss of more than 10% of productivity due to erosion, soil compaction, forest removal, overgrazing, drought, salt buildup, climate change, depletion of water sources, and other factors
animals easting too much of the plant cover, impeding growth