Soil Lab Analysis

ABSTRACT:

The soil lab is important in finding the nutrients, pH, and layers of the soil. The data below describes the soil found in Pacific Beach. These results are significant because we want to know the soils in different areas of San Diego.

INTRODUCTION:

Objectives: In this lab, you will investigate and analyze the differing layers of soil, determine the pH level of your soil, and determine the primary soil nutrients of your sample soil.

Procedure:

Texture: 1) collect approximately 275mL of soil from your neighborhood 2) add your soil sample to a jar, add water about 1cm below jar lid, shake well, and wait for layers to separate 3) measure and record the separated layers appropriately: sand, silt, and clay

pH: 1) take your soil sample from the drying bin and add 2 pH dissolvable tablets; wait for color change and record your pH level

Nutrients: 1) determine the nitrogen, potassium, and phosphorous contents of your soil sample

Expected Results: you should expect your soils pH to be slightly acidic  because when raindrops fall through the troposphere and become acidic (carbonic acid)

RESULTS AND ANALYSIS:

CLAY	1mm
SILT	1cm
SAND	1.5cm

NITROGEN	L
PHOSPHOROUS	L/M
POTASSIUM	H

REFLECTION/CONCLUSION:

In this lab, we learned the different nutrients found in soil from differing neighborhoods in San Diego. I learned the different layers of the soil, and how each layer has a different weight. I learned how to measure the different soil nutrients and what makes a “good soil”. Ways to improve the lab would be possibly more test tubes and jars for the groups.

SHORT ANSWER QUESTIONS:

1)   The 3 different soil layers are sand, silt, and clay. Sand has the greatest weight and largest surface area; clay has the least weight and sits on top of the sand and silt, and is a very thin layer.

2)   Refer to soil triangle

3)   Soil type clay has the greatest water retention ability; soil type sand has the greatest water percolation rate.

4)   The humus is important to soil fertility because it is a top layer to the soil, somewhat like a protection barrier.

5)   The pH level is important because soil that is too acidic will not be very fertile for plant vegetation.

6)   Natural sources of: 1) nitrogen: feather meal, soybean meal, grass hay, various types of manure, etc. 2) potassium: salts and minerals 3) phosphorous: grains, nuts, crab shells, banana peels

7)   Plants need lots of nutrients for prosperous growth of the plant(s)

8)   The nitrogen cycle, where plants uptake nitrogen through their roots, is essential. The hairs on the plants roots are able to absorb the nitrogen, which is crucial to the chlorophyll when they are applying photosynthesis. The plant converts it into a usable organic molecule essential for food production.

9)   Possible errors? Measuring of the soil.. Dropping the correct amount when testing for nitrogen, potassium, and phosphorous

10)                   The soil fertility found in pacific beach is pretty standard when compared to the results of my peers

11)                   My soil results best support vegetation for a tree or plants. Not especially growing fruits and vegetables though