Year 2 science · C.9 · Living things
Soil and plant growth
Soil gives plants water and tiny nutrients (minerals) that help them grow strong. Roots use these from the ground. Without soil, roots can't get enough water or food.
See worked examples
Theo put a seed in clay, and it grew fast. What helped?
- Clay has more sunlight
- Clay makes the air warmer
- Clay holds water and gives minerals (right)
Priya planted a seed in a pot with soil. What does the soil give the plant?
- Wind and rain
- Sunlight and air
- Water and minerals (right)
Mei planted a seed in sand, but it didn’t grow well. Why?
- Sand has too much sunlight
- Sand has no roots
- Sand doesn’t hold water or minerals (right)
Tip: Soil gives plants water and tiny nutrients (minerals) that help them grow strong. Roots use these from the ground. Without soil, roots can't get enough water or food.
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