Soil Science/English Transcript

(leaf transition)

Kuya Edward: What happened to you, Buknoy?

Buknoy: It's about my plants.

Kuya Edward: Where?

Buknoy: There, Kuya! My tomato plants aren't growing! That's it! I don't want to plant anymore!

Kuya Edward: Wait, do you know why? Hmm...oh, no. The tomatoes really won't grow, Buknoy.

Buknoy: Huh? Why? I did all the things. I watered them. I talked to them. I sang at them. And I even made them sleep!

Kuya Edward: Because you chose the wrong soil.

Buknoy: I chose the wrong soil? But isn't the soil where the plants grow?

Kuya Edward: The types of soil are different for each plant. The plants that grow are also different, too.

(we see the label 'Iba't Ibang Uri ng Lupa ', which translates to 'Different Types of Soil')

Buknoy: Different types of soil?

Kuya Edward: This is sandy. Some plants, like tomatoes, don't grow here.

(we see the label 'Sandy o Buhangin ')

Buknoy: Oh, really? Why?

Kuya Edward: It's dry and doesn't absorb enough water, that the tomato plant needs. The only plants that grow here are succulents, like cactus.

(we see the label 'Sandy')

Buknoy: Oh, that makes sense. How will you know which soils are suitable?

Kuya Edward: You have to learn the different types of soil. There are five types.

Buknoy: Sandy is the first one.

(we see the label 'Sandy')

Kuya Edward: Very good! Then, you have the silty soil.

(we see the label 'Silty')

Buknoy: Silty?

Kuya Edward: Silty soil absorbs water, but not very long. It's cold, and not rocky, which makes some easy to grow.

(we see Kuya Edward's definition in Filipino, further explained in the Filipino transcript)

Kuya Edward: Here, plants like grass grow here, as well as some climbers, and radishes, as well as turnips. Next, is clay.

(we see the label 'Clay')

Kuya Edward: Because it's very sticky and heavy, the ones with low roots usually grow here,

(we see Kuya Edward's definition in Filipino, further explained in the Filipino transcript)

Kuya Edward: like the ornamental grasses, fruit trees, lettuce, bean, and cabbage. Peaty soil, in this case, is chocolate-colored.

(we see the label 'Peaty')

Kuya Edward: Usually, it's black. It's soft because it can absorb soil, even when it's hot. When it rains, it helps the roots to not break.

(we see Kuya Edward's definition in Filipino, further explained in the Filipino transcript)

Kuya Edward: Here, crops like legumes, root crops, spinach, and brocolli grow here. Last, but not the least, saline.

(we see the label 'Saline')

Kuya Edward: In the dry areas you can find saline. It's very salty, and it doesn't absorb that much water.

(we see Kuya Edward's definition in Filipino, further explained in the Filipino transcript)

Kuya Edward: The plants that grow here are cereals, wheat grass, and bermuda grass.

Buknoy: Sandy, silty, clay, peaty, and saline.

(we see the list 'Types of soil: 1. Sandy 2. Silty 3. Clay 4. Peaty 5. Saline')

Buknoy: Hmm, what is suitable for my tomatoes? If only I can mix it.

Kuya Edward: Yes, you can!

Buknoy: There it is! What I need is soft, can easily absorb, and flows with the wind.

Kuya Edward: And that would be...loam.

(we see the label 'Loam')

Kuya Edward: L-O-A-M.

Buknoy: Loam?

Kuya Edward: Loam, perfect for growing veggies like okra, eggplants, and tomatoes! It's a mix of silt, sand, clay, and humus.

(we see the equation 'Silt + San + Clay + Humus =' over 'Loam')

Buknoy: Silt, sand, clay...and...humus?

Kuya Edward: Humus is the dark and organic mateiral that you see in the soil, when plant animal matter decompose. This land gives useful nutrients, too, like nitrogen, that plants need to grow. Aside from that, it prevents it from being susceptible from diseases for food crops.

Buknoy: I understand. Uh, Kuya Edward, can I have some?

Kuya Edward: Of course! For you and your plants! Use this flowerpot.

Buknoy: Aah! A worm! There's a worm, Kuya!

Kuya Edward: That's okay. It doesn't bite.

Buknoy: Uh-huh! It doesn't bite! (laughs)

Kuya Edward: Don't you know...that it comes from the soil.

Buknoy: The worm?

Kuya Edward: Yes, the worm or earthworm in the growing of plants. They also have a way of making them strong.

Buknoy: What is it?

Kuya Edward: Composting! Composting is the process of adding food and fruit waste so that the black soil is favorable for growing.

(we see the label 'Composting', with a box labeled 'Compost')

Kuya Edward: There's also decomposition.

(we see the label 'Decomposition')

Kuya Edward: This is a process where dead animals are included on the ground. Animals such as earthworms and snails are involved in the early stages of decomposition. And the animals such as roosters, goats, and cows, they too help the earth. Well, there, I taught you a lot, so can you grow your tomato plant?

Buknoy: Yes, yes, I can, Kuya Edward!

Kuya Edward: You sure you won't lose any hope?

Buknoy: No, I won't. And when I have a problem, I'll learn and try to find a way.

Kuya Edward: Well, good! Now, start planting your tomato plants! We'll, let's see each other again in the next Agristory, only here in...Agricoolture! Goodbye!

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