- Published:
Let’s keep our soils healthy!
Soil Erosion studies show us the future of climate change
- Languages:
- All EU languages
- Ages:
- 8-9
- 9-12
- 12-15
- School subject:
- Natural sciences
- Chemistry
- Format:
- Video
- Research field:
- Chemistry
- Environment and Geosciences
Experiment with soil erosion
What is soil erosion? Erosion is a natural process where soil particles and nutrients are taken away by water and wind from, for example, a grain field and deposited into a water body, like a lake, or a river.
So, particles and nutrients are needed on fields, so that plants can grow better. In small amounts they’re also help for water-plants and animals, but in large amounts they can create problems.
In this do-it-yourself experiment, you will compare 2 types of soils (grassland and garden soil) and observe how the quality of the soil and the presence of a thick root map can influence how resistant the soil is to erosion, and how many nutrients are retained in the soil when exposed to rain and wind.
Resources
Tutorial Soil Erosion
What is soil erosion and how does it happen, find out in this informative video.
The video is available with subtitles in all 24 European Union languages, simply use the language switcher on the video to find the one you want.
You can download any of the videos form the European Commission, Audiovisual service library page.
Information for teachers
- Activity duration: Between 30 minutes and 1 hour
- Recommended group size: 1 to 15 students
- Recommended location: Indoors or outdoors
- Preparation by teacher needed: Yes
- Additional materials needed: Yes,
- 2 different soils (grassland, garden)
- 2 water bottles (transparent, 1.5L) with one side cut open
- 2 transparent containers, at least 2 x 300 mL water
MSCA project behind this activity
Name: Increased drainage effects on soil properties and water quality (IDESoWa)
Researcher’s name: Antra Boča