Soil Layers Worksheet
Explore the different layers of soil and their characteristics with this Grade 5 science worksheet.
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Soil Layers Exploration
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Read each question carefully and answer to the best of your ability. Refer to the diagram of soil layers if needed.
Examine the diagram of soil layers below:
1. Which soil layer is mostly made of decaying organic matter, like leaves and twigs?
Bedrock
Humus (O Horizon)
Subsoil (B Horizon)
Topsoil (A Horizon)
2. The 'parent material' from which soil forms is found in which layer?
Topsoil (A Horizon)
Subsoil (B Horizon)
Regolith (C Horizon)
Humus (O Horizon)
3. The layer is where most plant roots grow and is rich in nutrients.
4. Water drains through the topsoil and collects in the , which contains less organic matter.
5. Bedrock is the solid, unweathered rock found beneath all other soil layers.
True
False
6. The O Horizon is also known as the subsoil.
True
False
Match each soil layer description with its correct horizon.
7. Rich in organic matter, dark in color
a. O Horizon (Humus)
8. Contains weathered rock fragments
b. A Horizon (Topsoil)
9. Solid, unweathered rock
c. C Horizon (Regolith)
10. Accumulation of clay and minerals
d. R Horizon (Bedrock)
11. Why is topsoil considered the most important layer for plant growth?
12. Describe one way that humans can help protect the soil layers.