TEKS 4.7A

1
TEKS 4.7A

• The student is expected to examine properties of
  soils, including color and texture, capacity to
  retain water, and ability to support the growth
  of plants.

2
Listed in the diagram below are four types of
soils. Select the one that retains the least
amount of water.

• A. Silt B. Clay C. Loam D. Sand

3
Correct Answer Choice

• D. Sand
• Sandy soils are loose and rainwater drains
  quickly through these soils.
• They do not retain, or hold, water very well.

4
Incorrect Answer Choices

• Silty soils retain water rather well. Silt looks
  like small, fine pieces of mud, and is a fertile
  soil for plants.
• Clay particles are small and tightly-packed.
  Their plate-like shape allows them to hold too
  much water. This gives clay soils a gummy, sticky
  texture. Clay is not good for plant growth.
• C. Loam holds water rather well and is a very
  fertile soil for plants.

5
Loam is fertile soil for plants to grow.
LOAM
6
Lets try another question about soils.
7

• Which type of soil enabled this tree to grow
  properly?
• Clay
• Loam
• Rocky
• Sandy

8
Correct Answer Choice B

• Loam
• Loam is nutrient-rich, dark-colored soil that
  retains water well, but allows just the right
  amount to drain. For a plant to grow properly,
  the roots need water and nutrients.
  

9
Incorrect Answer Choices

• Clay soils retain far too much water for roots.
  They are nutrient-poor and are so tightly-packed
  that roots do not have space to grow.
  
• C. Rocky soils are full of rocks and do not
  retain water well. They do not contain free
  nutrients for plants.
• D. Sandy soils are also nutrient-poor. Particles
  are round with a lot of space between them,
  allowing water to run through easily.

10
Lets try another question about soils.
11
The Grapevine Garden Club prefers to container
garden in dark soil that is rich in decaying
organic matter and drains well. Which of these
soil types best fits that description ?
A. Silt B. Sand C. Humus D. Clay
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Correct Answer Choice CHumus

• Humus is a nutrient-rich soil formed by the
  breakdown or decomposition of dead plants and
  animals. Plants grow well in humus-rich soils.

13
Incorrect Answer Choices

• Silt is not made entirely of organic matter.
• B. Sand is nutrient-poor for
• plants.
• D. Clay is nutrient-poor soil.

14
Remember The texture of soils is how they
feel.-Sandy soils feel gritty.-Clay soils feel
gummy, sticky, and hard when dry.-Loam is loose,
but when you pack it together, it sticks.