Types of soil and how they are formed
Select Lesson
Forces and magnets
Light
Rocks
Animals, including humans
Explainer Video
Tutor: Holly
Summary
Types of soil and how they are formed
In a nutshell
Soil is vital for plants to grow and contains a large amount of living things. There are different types of soil, because rocks are a component of soil and not all rocks are the same.
What makes up soil?
Soil is made from rocks, humus (decomposed material), air and water. Soil also contains microbes along with insects, that break down dead plants and animals, providing new nutrients to the soil.
Different soils
Soils have different properties because the rocks they are made up from can be very different. The table below explains three types of soil.
Type of soil | Explanation |
| Gravelly | Contains small stones, water drains through this soil quickly. |
| Sandy | Dry and light soil, containing air gaps that allow the drainage of water quickly. |
| Clay | Heavy soil that becomes sticky when wet. Water does not drain through this soil quickly. |
Read more
FAQs - Frequently Asked Questions
Why is soil so important?
Soil is vital for plants to grow.
What breaks down decomposing matter in soil?
Microbes and insects that are present in the soil will help decompose organic material in the soil.
What is soil made of?
Soil is made up of rock, humus (organic material), air and water.