Introduction

soil covers a major portion of the earth's land surface. it is an important natural resource that either directly or indirectly supports much of the life on our planet.

many people do not realize the importance of soil, and seldom think about its conservation. however, soil and its conservation are essential to our lives. most people realize that they need clean air and water to stay healthy. not everyone realizes that their way of life also depends on the soil. soil is necessary the growth of most of our food. plants are rooted in soil and obtain needed nutrients there.

it acts as a filter, cleaning air and water. soil takes up organic matter and recycles nutrients back to plants. soil also holds and breaks down some toxic wastes. because soil plays such a key role in our lives, we must conserve it and use it in a sustainable manner.

soil is a mixture of mineral and organic materials plus air and water. the content of soil varies in different locations and is constantly changing. there are many different kinds and types of soils. different kinds of soils support the growth of different types of plants and also determine how well that plant life grows.

soil is formed slowly, but can be easily destroyed. because of this, soil conservation is important for continued support of life as we know it.

the task

you are a soil conservationist. you have been asked to speak at a local school about how soil is conserved and the importance of doing so. you are very knowledgeable in the subject, but you must write that speech so the middle school students understand what you are saying and realize the importance of soil conservation.

the process

• work by yourself

• research the importance of soil and why it should be conserved

• what is soil conservation 1? -

• what is soil conservation 2? -

• threats to soil -

• the dirt on dirt -

• why is soil so important? -

• research ways soil is lost

• the dirt on dirt - (scroll down halfway)

• how soil is lost -

• soil erosion and degradation -

• how desertification works -

• research different types of soil conservation.

• 10 ways to conserve soil -

• how to conserve soil -

• an introduction to soil conservation measures -

• how to prevent erosion -

• 9 inexpensive ways you can prevent erosion -

• write the speech

• paragraph 1 – the importance of soil & conservation

• paragraph 2 – how soil is lost

• paragraph 3 - how we can conserve soil