What do you need to know for the competition?
x
Here is a list of all the skills you will need to master the soil section.

Knowledge Base
x
Some of the knowledge you will have after you master the soils section include:
X
• Identify the soil orders;
• Identify the factors affecting soil formation and describe processes involved;
• Describe soil structure in terms of its three components: form, stability, and strength;
• Describe how different amounts of organic matter affect and are
affected by soil structure and texture;
For a full listing, please click here.

Hands on Application
x
After mastering the knowledge base, some of the skills you will have include:
X
• Identify soil horizons in a soil pit or photograph;
• Name and map the soil orders of Canada and identify them on a map;
• Identify soil types according to textural characteristics;
For a full listing, please click here.

Putting it All Together
x
Now you can:
X
• Relate how soil, water and air are interrelated. (grade 12 biology);
• Use data, observations on soils to explain vegetation in an area (grade 12 biology);
• Predict the types of soil organisms that would be found within a given soil type
• Assess a site for the erosion (grade 12 biology);
• Make recommendations on how to implement erosion control;
• Make recommendations on site on how to improve soil quality.

Soil Module Study Material Download
x
Chapter 1: What is Soil?
Chapter 2: The Process of Soils Formation
Chapter 3: The Physical Nature of Soils
Chapter 4: The Chemical Nature of Soils
Chapter 5: The Biological Nature of Soils
Chapter 6: Soil Degradation
Chapter 7: Soil Erosion
Chapter 8: Soil Management and Conservation
Chapter 9: Soils and Land Use
Chapter 10: Soil Biodiversity
Appendix 1: Canadian Soil Classification
Curriculum Links
Glossary

[Return to top of page]