49
Dryland soils
Dry soils are found in areas
with low rainfall. Plants here
have long roots and thick,
fleshy stems to save water.
The roots are important
for holding the soil in place.
Farmland soils
Soils with lots of nutrients are
used across the planet to grow
important crops such as wheat.
China is the world’s biggest
producer of food crops.
Drought-resistant herbs
are important foods
for desert animals.
Succulents store
water in their
waxy bodies.
This grass’s roots grow
deep underground to
find water.
Soybeans are used
to make foods
such as tofu.
Corn
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Desert gourd
048_049_Ground_around_the_world.indd 49 08/11/2019 09:39