A student examines a soil sample and finds tiny pebbles, damp earth, and a decaying leaf. Which of these is a non-living component of the soil?

The nutrients from decomposition

Which statement best describes the composition of soil?

Soil is made entirely of non-living materials like sand and rock.

Soil is composed only of living and dead organisms.

Soil is a complex mixture of living organisms, organic matter, and non-living materials.

Soil consists primarily of water with a small amount of dirt mixed in.

A decaying leaf from an oak tree

is found everywhere on the planet.

contains different materials that are physically combined.

is always the same brown color.

can only support one type of plant life.

Compost made from dead leaves and vegetable scraps

Extra clay to make the soil firm