Why is soil different colors in different places?

What Crafty Clover says in this video

Intro

Hi there, curious minds! I'm Crafty Clover! Let's discover something amazing. Why is soil different colors in different places?

The Big Idea

Soil is not just brown! It can be black, red, orange, gray, yellow, or even white. Its color gives clues about what is inside.

Dark Soil

Step one: Dark Soil. Dark brown or black soils have lots of rotted plant material. They are often great for growing plants.

Red Soil

Step two: Red Soil. Red and orange soils get their color from iron that has rusted. Prince Edward Island is famous for its red soil.

Gray Soil

Step three: Gray Soil. Gray or bluish soils are often soaked with water for long periods. And yellow soils have a different kind of iron.

A Closer Look

Let's take a closer look! Black means lots of rotted plants. Red means rusted iron. Gray means lots of water. White can mean chalk or salt.

Quick Facts

Quick facts! Some soils are almost white because they contain lots of chalk or salt. Soil scientists match soil to special color charts. Long ago, people used colored earth to make paint for art. Wet soil looks darker than dry soil.

Think Like a Scientist

Now, think like a scientist! Collect soil from three different places, with permission. Put each sample in a clear cup. Compare their colors in bright light. Which one is darkest? What clues does each color give you?

Outro

Soil gets its color from what is inside it. Dark soil has rotted plants, red soil has rusted iron, gray soil is often soaked, and white soil may hold chalk or salt. Science is amazing! Keep wondering and keep exploring! Share what you learned with someone at home, and see what they think! Crafty Clover can be found on Amazon Books, Google Bookstore, and Apple Books. Available for purchase or download! Bye for now!