HomeIB ESSTopic 5.1

Soil systems

Topic 5.1 explores soil formation, soil profiles, and the physical and chemical properties that determine soil fertility. Students study the role of organisms in soil systems, nutrient cycling in soils, and how human land use affects soil health and productivity.

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IB ESS · Topic 5.1

Sub-topics in Topic 5.1

5.1.1Soil as a system5.1.2What soil is made of5.1.3Soil profiles and horizons5.1.4Inputs to soil5.1.5Outputs from soil5.1.6Transfers in soil5.1.7Transformations in soil5.1.8Systems diagrams of soil5.1.9Soil and plant growth5.1.10Soil biodiversity5.1.11Soil and nutrient recycling5.1.12Soil texture5.1.13Soil texture and productivity5.1.14Soil as a carbon sink, store or source