Wetlands are not wastelands full of mosquitoes and ooze. They are a valuable filter of nutrients, and provide beneficial flood control and purification. Wetland soils are often wet for most of the year. They lie in low areas and holes. There is a lot of organic matter in these soils, because dead things do not decompose well under water. The subsoil is gray, and often has mottles of several different colors in it. Wetland soils can be productive when farmed, but they need to be managed carefully, as they can also suffer from sinking if humans drain them.
This lesson is appropriate for grades 4+.
Download Wetland Soils Presentation
Lesson Objectives:
1) Define a wetland?
2) Discuss where wetlands can be found
3) Describe some typical wetland soils
4) List the functions of wetlands.
Glossary of terms:
In current glossary:
- Wetland
- Peat
Other glossary words:
- Histosols - organic soils
- Hydric soils – soils that have properties of being waterlogged.
Activities or information:
1) Wetland (hydric) soil profiles
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Wetland Soils - SSSA - Informational web page.
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Introduction to Hydric Soils - USDA NRCS (Grades 4+) Basics on what is a hydric or wetland soil.
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Is It a Wetland? Soil Horizons- State of Florida (Grades 8+) Worksheet for observing hydric soils. You will need additional information and/or training in soil description to fully utilize this material.
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Wetlands- Portland State University (Grades 10+) Brief overview of chemistry and description of hydric soils.
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Wetland Information - USDA Forest Service (Grades 4+ for basic information, Grades 8+ for details) There is a little for everyone in this site. Very basic information and photos for lower grades provided the instructor has some basic understanding of soils.
2) Monitoring wetlands
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Volunteer Wetland Monitoring - US EPA (Grade 10+) A guide to monitoring wetlands. For advanced students and teachers looking for a long term project.
Study Questions:
1) Why is a wetland important?
2) What makes wetland soils different then other soils?
3) Where are wetlands found?
4) What is peat?
