Ever wondered why soil is so crucial for life on... Show more
Sign up to see the contentIt's free!
Access to all documents
Improve your grades
Join milions of students
By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
1
0
Knowunity Philippines
11/23/2025
Science
Earth and Its Resources: Soil Formation and Conservation
10
•
Nov 23, 2025
•
Soil and Earth: How It's Made and Protected
Knowunity Philippines
@knowunityphilippines
1 / 10
What Makes Soil So Special?
Think about this: every bite of food you eat depends on soil, yet most people rarely think about what's beneath their feet! Soil is basically a complex mixture of weathered rock particles, organic matter, water, and air that creates the perfect environment for plants to grow.
The Philippines is a brilliant example of how crucial soil is to a nation. This tropical country relies heavily on healthy soil to grow rice, corn, coconut, and sugarcane that feed millions of people. Without quality soil, entire communities would struggle to survive.
What makes soil even more impressive is that it's not just about growing food. Soil acts like a giant filter for water, stores carbon to help fight climate change, and provides homes for countless creatures. It's basically nature's ultimate multitasker!
Quick Fact: It can take 500-1000 years to form just one inch of soil, making it one of Earth's most precious resources.
How Soil Actually Forms
You might be surprised to learn that soil formation starts with rocks getting broken down through a process called weathering. There are two main types that work like nature's construction crew.
Physical weathering is like having a sledgehammer - it breaks rocks into smaller pieces without changing what they're made of. In the Philippines, this happens when plant roots grow into rock cracks or when water freezes and expands in mountain areas like Baguio.
Chemical weathering is more like having acid that dissolves things. The Philippines' warm, humid climate makes this happen really fast. Rainwater, which is slightly acidic, reacts with rock minerals and creates entirely new compounds.
Five key factors control how soil forms: the parent material (original rock), climate, landscape shape, living organisms, and time. In the Philippines, volcanic rocks from active volcanoes like Mount Mayon create some of the world's most fertile soils.
Did You Know: The Philippines' tropical climate speeds up soil formation but also increases the risk of losing soil through erosion.
The Amazing Layers of Soil
If you dug a deep hole in your garden, you'd see that soil isn't just one uniform brown layer - it's actually made up of distinct horizons that each have their own job to do.
The O horizon at the top is like nature's recycling centre, full of fallen leaves and dead organic matter. Below that, the A horizon (topsoil) is the superstar layer that's dark and packed with nutrients - this is where most plant roots love to hang out.
The B horizon (subsoil) acts like a storage unit, collecting minerals that wash down from above. In many Philippine soils, this layer has a reddish colour from iron buildup. The C horizon contains partially weathered rock, while the R horizon is solid bedrock.
Healthy soil is roughly 45% mineral particles, 25% water, 25% air, and just 5% organic matter. That tiny 5% of organic stuff, including humus (fully decomposed material), is absolutely crucial for soil health and plant growth.
Cool Example: In coconut plantations, you can easily see thick layers of coconut husks creating the O horizon, followed by dark, rich topsoil perfect for growing crops.
Philippine Soil Types
The Philippines is like a soil museum with incredible diversity thanks to its volcanic activity and tropical climate. Understanding these different soil types helps farmers choose the right crops and farming methods.
Volcanic soils (Andisols) are the celebrities of Philippine agriculture. Found near volcanoes like Mount Mayon and Mount Pinatubo, these soils are incredibly fertile because volcanic ash is packed with minerals that plants love.
Alluvial soils form in river valleys where sediments pile up over time. The rice-growing regions of Central Luzon have fantastic alluvial soils that get naturally refreshed when rivers flood, bringing in new nutrients.
Laterite soils are the reddish soils common in Mindanao, formed by heavy rainfall and high temperatures. While they can grow tropical crops, they need careful management to prevent nutrients from washing away.
Soil pH measures how acidic or basic soil is on a scale from 0-14. Most crops prefer slightly acidic to neutral conditions , but many Philippine soils tend to be acidic due to heavy rainfall washing away basic nutrients.
Fascinating Fact: The famous Banaue Rice Terraces work so well because they're built on naturally fertile volcanic soils and use clever water management.
Protecting Our Precious Soil
Soil erosion is like watching your garden slowly wash away, and in the Philippines, heavy rains and typhoons make this a serious challenge. Fortunately, clever farming methods can fight back against soil loss.
Contour farming means planting crops along the natural curves of hills instead of straight up and down. This simple trick slows down rushing water and prevents soil from washing away. Mountain farmers in Northern Luzon use this method brilliantly for growing vegetables.
Terracing creates flat platforms on steep slopes - think of the incredible Banaue Rice Terraces that have protected soil for over 2,000 years! Cover cropping involves planting protective crops when main crops aren't growing, like legumes between coconut trees.
Agroforestry combines trees with regular crops, creating natural windbreaks that protect soil while providing extra income from fruit or timber. It's like having bodyguards for your soil!
Crop rotation prevents nutrients from getting completely used up by rotating different plants that need different nutrients. Rice farmers often follow their rice crop with nitrogen-fixing beans that actually improve the soil.
Smart Strategy: Many Filipino farmers make compost from rice hulls, coconut fibres, and kitchen scraps - turning waste into soil gold!
We thought you’d never ask...
What is the Knowunity AI companion?
Our AI companion is specifically built for the needs of students. Based on the millions of content pieces we have on the platform we can provide truly meaningful and relevant answers to students. But its not only about answers, the companion is even more about guiding students through their daily learning challenges, with personalised study plans, quizzes or content pieces in the chat and 100% personalisation based on the students skills and developments.
Where can I download the Knowunity app?
You can download the app in the Google Play Store and in the Apple App Store.
Is Knowunity really free of charge?
That's right! Enjoy free access to study content, connect with fellow students, and get instant help – all at your fingertips.
Can't find what you're looking for? Explore other subjects.
Students love us — and so will you.
4.9/5
App Store
4.8/5
Google Play
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
I think it’s very much worth it and you’ll end up using it a lot once you get the hang of it and even after looking at others notes you can still ask your Artificial intelligence buddy the question and ask to simplify it if you still don’t get it!!! In the end I think it’s worth it 😊👍 ⚠️Also DID I MENTION ITS FREEE YOU DON’T HAVE TO PAY FOR ANYTHING AND STILL GET YOUR GRADES IN PERFECTLY❗️❗️⚠️
Thomas R
iOS user
Knowunity is the BEST app I’ve used in a minute. This is not an ai review or anything this is genuinely coming from a 7th grade student (I know 2011 im young) but dude this app is a 10/10 i have maintained a 3.8 gpa and have plenty of time for gaming. I love it and my mom is just happy I got good grades
Brad T
Android user
Not only did it help me find the answer but it also showed me alternative ways to solve it. I was horrible in math and science but now I have an a in both subjects. Thanks for the help🤍🤍
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
I found this app a couple years ago and it has only gotten better since then. I really love it because it can help with written questions and photo questions. Also, it can find study guides that other people have made as well as flashcard sets and practice tests. The free version is also amazing for students who might not be able to afford it. Would 100% recommend
Aubrey
iOS user
Best app if you're in Highschool or Junior high. I have been using this app for 2 school years and it's the best, it's good if you don't have anyone to help you with school work.😋🩷🎀
Marco B
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This app is phenomenal down to the correct info and the various topics you can study! I greatly recommend it for people who struggle with procrastination and those who need homework help. It has been perfectly accurate for world 1 history as far as I’ve seen! Geometry too!
Paul T
iOS user
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
I think it’s very much worth it and you’ll end up using it a lot once you get the hang of it and even after looking at others notes you can still ask your Artificial intelligence buddy the question and ask to simplify it if you still don’t get it!!! In the end I think it’s worth it 😊👍 ⚠️Also DID I MENTION ITS FREEE YOU DON’T HAVE TO PAY FOR ANYTHING AND STILL GET YOUR GRADES IN PERFECTLY❗️❗️⚠️
Thomas R
iOS user
Knowunity is the BEST app I’ve used in a minute. This is not an ai review or anything this is genuinely coming from a 7th grade student (I know 2011 im young) but dude this app is a 10/10 i have maintained a 3.8 gpa and have plenty of time for gaming. I love it and my mom is just happy I got good grades
Brad T
Android user
Not only did it help me find the answer but it also showed me alternative ways to solve it. I was horrible in math and science but now I have an a in both subjects. Thanks for the help🤍🤍
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
I found this app a couple years ago and it has only gotten better since then. I really love it because it can help with written questions and photo questions. Also, it can find study guides that other people have made as well as flashcard sets and practice tests. The free version is also amazing for students who might not be able to afford it. Would 100% recommend
Aubrey
iOS user
Best app if you're in Highschool or Junior high. I have been using this app for 2 school years and it's the best, it's good if you don't have anyone to help you with school work.😋🩷🎀
Marco B
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This app is phenomenal down to the correct info and the various topics you can study! I greatly recommend it for people who struggle with procrastination and those who need homework help. It has been perfectly accurate for world 1 history as far as I’ve seen! Geometry too!
Paul T
iOS user
Soil and Earth: How It's Made and Protected
Knowunity Philippines
@knowunityphilippines
Ever wondered why soil is so crucial for life on Earth and why it takes centuries to form just a few centimetres? Soil is literally the foundation that feeds the world, supporting everything from your favourite fruits to entire ecosystems.... Show more
What Makes Soil So Special?
Think about this: every bite of food you eat depends on soil, yet most people rarely think about what's beneath their feet! Soil is basically a complex mixture of weathered rock particles, organic matter, water, and air that creates the perfect environment for plants to grow.
The Philippines is a brilliant example of how crucial soil is to a nation. This tropical country relies heavily on healthy soil to grow rice, corn, coconut, and sugarcane that feed millions of people. Without quality soil, entire communities would struggle to survive.
What makes soil even more impressive is that it's not just about growing food. Soil acts like a giant filter for water, stores carbon to help fight climate change, and provides homes for countless creatures. It's basically nature's ultimate multitasker!
Quick Fact: It can take 500-1000 years to form just one inch of soil, making it one of Earth's most precious resources.
Sign up to see the contentIt's free!
Access to all documents
Improve your grades
Join milions of students
By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
How Soil Actually Forms
You might be surprised to learn that soil formation starts with rocks getting broken down through a process called weathering. There are two main types that work like nature's construction crew.
Physical weathering is like having a sledgehammer - it breaks rocks into smaller pieces without changing what they're made of. In the Philippines, this happens when plant roots grow into rock cracks or when water freezes and expands in mountain areas like Baguio.
Chemical weathering is more like having acid that dissolves things. The Philippines' warm, humid climate makes this happen really fast. Rainwater, which is slightly acidic, reacts with rock minerals and creates entirely new compounds.
Five key factors control how soil forms: the parent material (original rock), climate, landscape shape, living organisms, and time. In the Philippines, volcanic rocks from active volcanoes like Mount Mayon create some of the world's most fertile soils.
Did You Know: The Philippines' tropical climate speeds up soil formation but also increases the risk of losing soil through erosion.
Sign up to see the contentIt's free!
Access to all documents
Improve your grades
Join milions of students
By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
The Amazing Layers of Soil
If you dug a deep hole in your garden, you'd see that soil isn't just one uniform brown layer - it's actually made up of distinct horizons that each have their own job to do.
The O horizon at the top is like nature's recycling centre, full of fallen leaves and dead organic matter. Below that, the A horizon (topsoil) is the superstar layer that's dark and packed with nutrients - this is where most plant roots love to hang out.
The B horizon (subsoil) acts like a storage unit, collecting minerals that wash down from above. In many Philippine soils, this layer has a reddish colour from iron buildup. The C horizon contains partially weathered rock, while the R horizon is solid bedrock.
Healthy soil is roughly 45% mineral particles, 25% water, 25% air, and just 5% organic matter. That tiny 5% of organic stuff, including humus (fully decomposed material), is absolutely crucial for soil health and plant growth.
Cool Example: In coconut plantations, you can easily see thick layers of coconut husks creating the O horizon, followed by dark, rich topsoil perfect for growing crops.
Sign up to see the contentIt's free!
Access to all documents
Improve your grades
Join milions of students
By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
Philippine Soil Types
The Philippines is like a soil museum with incredible diversity thanks to its volcanic activity and tropical climate. Understanding these different soil types helps farmers choose the right crops and farming methods.
Volcanic soils (Andisols) are the celebrities of Philippine agriculture. Found near volcanoes like Mount Mayon and Mount Pinatubo, these soils are incredibly fertile because volcanic ash is packed with minerals that plants love.
Alluvial soils form in river valleys where sediments pile up over time. The rice-growing regions of Central Luzon have fantastic alluvial soils that get naturally refreshed when rivers flood, bringing in new nutrients.
Laterite soils are the reddish soils common in Mindanao, formed by heavy rainfall and high temperatures. While they can grow tropical crops, they need careful management to prevent nutrients from washing away.
Soil pH measures how acidic or basic soil is on a scale from 0-14. Most crops prefer slightly acidic to neutral conditions , but many Philippine soils tend to be acidic due to heavy rainfall washing away basic nutrients.
Fascinating Fact: The famous Banaue Rice Terraces work so well because they're built on naturally fertile volcanic soils and use clever water management.
Sign up to see the contentIt's free!
Access to all documents
Improve your grades
Join milions of students
By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
Protecting Our Precious Soil
Soil erosion is like watching your garden slowly wash away, and in the Philippines, heavy rains and typhoons make this a serious challenge. Fortunately, clever farming methods can fight back against soil loss.
Contour farming means planting crops along the natural curves of hills instead of straight up and down. This simple trick slows down rushing water and prevents soil from washing away. Mountain farmers in Northern Luzon use this method brilliantly for growing vegetables.
Terracing creates flat platforms on steep slopes - think of the incredible Banaue Rice Terraces that have protected soil for over 2,000 years! Cover cropping involves planting protective crops when main crops aren't growing, like legumes between coconut trees.
Agroforestry combines trees with regular crops, creating natural windbreaks that protect soil while providing extra income from fruit or timber. It's like having bodyguards for your soil!
Crop rotation prevents nutrients from getting completely used up by rotating different plants that need different nutrients. Rice farmers often follow their rice crop with nitrogen-fixing beans that actually improve the soil.
Smart Strategy: Many Filipino farmers make compost from rice hulls, coconut fibres, and kitchen scraps - turning waste into soil gold!
Sign up to see the contentIt's free!
Access to all documents
Improve your grades
Join milions of students
By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
Sign up to see the contentIt's free!
Access to all documents
Improve your grades
Join milions of students
By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
Sign up to see the contentIt's free!
Access to all documents
Improve your grades
Join milions of students
By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
Sign up to see the contentIt's free!
Access to all documents
Improve your grades
Join milions of students
By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
Sign up to see the contentIt's free!
Access to all documents
Improve your grades
Join milions of students
By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
We thought you’d never ask...
What is the Knowunity AI companion?
Our AI companion is specifically built for the needs of students. Based on the millions of content pieces we have on the platform we can provide truly meaningful and relevant answers to students. But its not only about answers, the companion is even more about guiding students through their daily learning challenges, with personalised study plans, quizzes or content pieces in the chat and 100% personalisation based on the students skills and developments.
Where can I download the Knowunity app?
You can download the app in the Google Play Store and in the Apple App Store.
Is Knowunity really free of charge?
That's right! Enjoy free access to study content, connect with fellow students, and get instant help – all at your fingertips.
1
Smart Tools NEW
Transform this note into: ✓ 50+ Practice Questions ✓ Interactive Flashcards ✓ Full Mock Exam ✓ Essay Outlines
Mock Exam
Quiz
Flashcards
Essay
Can't find what you're looking for? Explore other subjects.
Students love us — and so will you.
4.9/5
App Store
4.8/5
Google Play
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
I think it’s very much worth it and you’ll end up using it a lot once you get the hang of it and even after looking at others notes you can still ask your Artificial intelligence buddy the question and ask to simplify it if you still don’t get it!!! In the end I think it’s worth it 😊👍 ⚠️Also DID I MENTION ITS FREEE YOU DON’T HAVE TO PAY FOR ANYTHING AND STILL GET YOUR GRADES IN PERFECTLY❗️❗️⚠️
Thomas R
iOS user
Knowunity is the BEST app I’ve used in a minute. This is not an ai review or anything this is genuinely coming from a 7th grade student (I know 2011 im young) but dude this app is a 10/10 i have maintained a 3.8 gpa and have plenty of time for gaming. I love it and my mom is just happy I got good grades
Brad T
Android user
Not only did it help me find the answer but it also showed me alternative ways to solve it. I was horrible in math and science but now I have an a in both subjects. Thanks for the help🤍🤍
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
I found this app a couple years ago and it has only gotten better since then. I really love it because it can help with written questions and photo questions. Also, it can find study guides that other people have made as well as flashcard sets and practice tests. The free version is also amazing for students who might not be able to afford it. Would 100% recommend
Aubrey
iOS user
Best app if you're in Highschool or Junior high. I have been using this app for 2 school years and it's the best, it's good if you don't have anyone to help you with school work.😋🩷🎀
Marco B
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This app is phenomenal down to the correct info and the various topics you can study! I greatly recommend it for people who struggle with procrastination and those who need homework help. It has been perfectly accurate for world 1 history as far as I’ve seen! Geometry too!
Paul T
iOS user
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
I think it’s very much worth it and you’ll end up using it a lot once you get the hang of it and even after looking at others notes you can still ask your Artificial intelligence buddy the question and ask to simplify it if you still don’t get it!!! In the end I think it’s worth it 😊👍 ⚠️Also DID I MENTION ITS FREEE YOU DON’T HAVE TO PAY FOR ANYTHING AND STILL GET YOUR GRADES IN PERFECTLY❗️❗️⚠️
Thomas R
iOS user
Knowunity is the BEST app I’ve used in a minute. This is not an ai review or anything this is genuinely coming from a 7th grade student (I know 2011 im young) but dude this app is a 10/10 i have maintained a 3.8 gpa and have plenty of time for gaming. I love it and my mom is just happy I got good grades
Brad T
Android user
Not only did it help me find the answer but it also showed me alternative ways to solve it. I was horrible in math and science but now I have an a in both subjects. Thanks for the help🤍🤍
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
I found this app a couple years ago and it has only gotten better since then. I really love it because it can help with written questions and photo questions. Also, it can find study guides that other people have made as well as flashcard sets and practice tests. The free version is also amazing for students who might not be able to afford it. Would 100% recommend
Aubrey
iOS user
Best app if you're in Highschool or Junior high. I have been using this app for 2 school years and it's the best, it's good if you don't have anyone to help you with school work.😋🩷🎀
Marco B
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This app is phenomenal down to the correct info and the various topics you can study! I greatly recommend it for people who struggle with procrastination and those who need homework help. It has been perfectly accurate for world 1 history as far as I’ve seen! Geometry too!
Paul T
iOS user