#ngscience #soil #ecosystems #abiotic
Soil covers most of the Earth’s land. Soil is a combination of weathered rock, minerals and humus. Humus is organic material formed by the breaking down of dead plants and animals by microorganisms. Between the soil particles are spaces called pores that hold water and air. Soil also contains microorganisms and may contain animals such as worms and insects.

In ecosystems, soil is an important abiotic factor for plants. Plant roots grow into the soil which hold them in place. Plants also take in water and minerals from the soil. Some animals, such as earthworms, live in soil.

The soil in different ecosystems can have different characteristics. It can be different in the amount of humus, nutrients, minerals, water and air it contains. Soil can also be different in acidity.

The composition, characteristics and acidity of soil affect the types of plants that can grow there. This in turn affects the types of other organisms in an ecosystem.

Check out our related videos to find discover how other abiotic factors like the availability of water and the amount of sunlight affect ecosystems.

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