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Soil carbon breaks down at very different rates across the US (Level A1) — a close up of a mosaic tile wall

Soil carbon breaks down at very different rates across the USCEFR A1

29 Dec 2025

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Adapted from Dave Roepke-Iowa State, Futurity • CC BY 4.0

Photo by Duskfall Crew, Unsplash

Level A1 – Beginner
2 min
71 words
  • A new study looked at soil across the United States.
  • The scientists found soils decompose carbon very differently.
  • Soil stores more carbon than air and plants.
  • How fast carbon breaks down affects the climate.
  • Researchers took soil samples and tested them in labs.
  • They measured carbon dioxide from the soil.
  • The tests showed big regional differences on maps.
  • Fungi and minerals can change decomposition.
  • Better knowledge can help manage soil carbon.

Difficult words

  • soil — the top layer of earth where plants grow
    soils
  • decompose — to break into smaller parts
  • carbon — a chemical element found in living things
  • climate — the usual weather of a place
  • sample — a small part taken to study
    samples
  • fungus — a small organism like a mushroom
    Fungi

Tip: hover, focus or tap highlighted words in the article to see quick definitions while you read or listen.

Discussion questions

  • Do you have a garden or plants at home?
  • Do you ever touch or dig soil?
  • Would you like to learn about soil and climate?

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