4 Unit Word Search
4
.1
Unit Word Search Name _____________________________________________________ Date ___________ Hour ______
Student Materials Pencil Directions Fill in the blank with the correct term from the word bank. Find the word within the word search.
_____________________ 1. T he _____ material of a soil is the original rocky matter before weathering has taken place. _____________________ 2. _ ____ refers to the weather of an area and includes the factors of temperature and moisture. _____________________ 3. There are two types of _____ - physical and chemical. _____________________ 4. The variety of life in the soil is known as _____. _____________________ 5. _____ is the surface features of a region. _____________________ 6. _ ____ contain various nutrients that are important for plant growth, such as calcium and iron. _____________________ 7. _____ matter in soil is made of decaying material from living organisms. _____________________ 8. _____ is the ability for water and air to flow through the soil. _____________________ 9. _____ soils tend to be a perfect combination of sand, silt and clay. _____________________ 10. Soil _____ are classified by properties such as color, texture, structure, thickness, and chemical and mineral content. _____________________ 11. Organic matter is also known as _____. _____________________ 12. The downward movement of materials through the soil when it rains is called _____.
Environmental Science & Natural Resources
4.1 _____________________ 13. The accumulation of materials leached from the soil horizons above in known as _____. _____________________ 14. _____ removes the top layers of soil called topsoil. _____________________ 15. The _____ scale indicates the acidity or alkalinity of the soil. _____________________ 16. A soil _____ refers to a material that is added to the soil to help improve soil quality. _____________________ 17. _____ is a soil amendment that contains a guaranteed minimum percentage of nutrients. _____________________ 18. _____ very in size and shape, resulting in different soil structures.
Environmental Science & Natural Resources
4.1 Word Bank aggregates amendment biodiversity climate eluviation
erosion fertilizer horizons humus illuviation
loam minerals organic parent permeability
pH topography weathering
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Environmental Science & Natural Resources
4
.2
Weathering Name _____________________________________________________ Date ___________ Hour ______
Introduction Weathering changes the consistency, chemical makeup, moisture content and general composition of soils. There are two types of weathering – physical and chemical. This activity will demonstrate both. Physical weathering is soil breakdown caused by heating and cooling, freezing and thawing, wind, and water. Chemical weathering is the reaction and interaction of water, oxygen, carbon dioxide, and other substances that act on soil particles.
Experiment 1 – Physical Weathering Student Materials Sugar cubes (3) Jar or plastic bottle with lid Scales Paper towel Graph paper Question: What effect will shaking sugar cubes in a jar or container have on the sugar cubes? Hypothesis ________________________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________________________________ Procedure 1. Observe the 3 sugar cubes and describe under the results/data section. Make a drawing of the average sugar cube under the description. 2. Obtain the mass of 3 sugar cubes. 3. Place the sugar cubes in the jar or plastic bottle and make sure the cap is on tight. 4. Shake the bottle in a controlled and consistent manner 20 times. 5. Obtain the mass of the weathered sugar cubes and record. Make another drawing of the sugar cubes. 6. Repeat steps 4 and 5, shaking for 40, 60, 80 and 100 times.
_
Environmental Science & Natural Resources
4.2 Results/Data Describe the appearance of the sugar cubes. ___________________________________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________________________________
Numbers of Shakes
Drawing of Sugar Cube
Mass of Sugar Cubes (g)
0
20
40
60
80
100
Environmental Science & Natural Resources
4.2 Graph the results – number of shakes versus the mass of the sugar cubes on a piece of graph paper. Conclusion Write a conclusion about the results of this activity. Explain if your hypothesis was correct. ___________________________________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________________________________
Experiment 2 – Chemical Weathering Student Materials Steel wool
Plastic bags (2)
Water
Question: What effect will water have on steel wool? Hypothesis ________________________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________________________________ Procedure 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6.
Label a plastic bag “dry” and put a small piece of steel wool in the bag. Label another plastic bag “wet”. Wet the second piece of steel wool and place in the plastic bag that is labeled “wet”. Record your visual observations on Day 1. In what ways are the bags the same or different? Record your visual observations on Day 4. In what ways are the bags the same or different? Examine the steel wool by pulling it apart. Describe.
_
Environmental Science & Natural Resources
4.2 Results/Data Visual Observations
Similarities
Differences
Day 1
Day 4
Conclusions Describe what happens when you pull apart the dry versus wet steel wool. Explain what happened. ___________________________________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________________________________
Environmental Science & Natural Resources
4.2 Summarize the difference between a chemical change and physical change. ___________________________________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________________________________
Environmental Science & Natural Resources
4
.3
Soil Permeability Name _____________________________________________________ Date ___________ Hour ______
Student Materials Soil samples - 4 Filter paper Funnel 100 ml beaker 100 ml graduated cylinder Stop watch Question: Which of the four soil samples will be the most permeable? Hypothesis ________________________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________________________________ Procedure 1. Read entire procedure before beginning. 2. Place a piece of filter paper inside the funnel. 3. Measure 20 ml of soil sample 1 and put into the funnel, on top of the filter paper. 4. Hold the funnel over a beaker and slowly pour 50 ml of water into the funnel. As soon as the water touches the soil sample, begin timing. Stop timing when all water has drained into the beaker. 5. Record the total drainage time in the table under Data and Results. 6. Record the amount of water in the beaker in the table as well. 7. Clean the funnel and beaker and then repeat steps for the other soil samples.
Environmental Science & Natural Resources
4.3 Results/Data Soil Sample
Drainage Time
Drainage Amount
Drainage Rate
% Water Retained
Conclusions Answer the following questions in your conclusion write up. 1. Which sample is the most permeable? Explain. 2. Which sample is the least permeable? Explain. 3. Which sample is the most ideal soil to grow plants? Explain. ___________________________________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________________________________
Environmental Science & Natural Resources
4
.4
Soil Texture Name _____________________________________________________ Date ___________ Hour ______
Introduction Soil texture refers to the size of the individual particles. Soil texture can be determined by the textural triangle or feel flow chart. In this activity, you will determine the soil texture of several samples using the feel flow chart. You will also learn to utilize the textual triangle to determine soil texture.
Part 1: Student Materials Soil samples from various areas Feel Flow Chart Water bottle Procedure 1. Follow the instruction on the Feel Flow Chart for each soil sample. 2. Record findings in the Data and Results table. Data and Results Soil Sample
Ribbon Length
Feel
Soil Texture
Environmental Science & Natural Resources
4.4 Written Results ___________________________________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________________________________
Conclusions Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of the soil textures of your samples. Discuss any soil management problems that might result from the soil textures. ___________________________________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________________________________
Environmental Science & Natural Resources
4.4 Part 2: Student Materials Using the textural triangle, determine the soil type of the following soil scenarios. 1. Percentage of Clay – 80% Percentage of Silt – 10% Percentage of Sand – 10% Soil Type ____________________________ 2. Percentage of Clay – 20% Percentage of Silt – 40% Percentage of Sand – 40% Soil Type ____________________________ 3. Percentage of Clay – 10% Percentage of Silt – 90% Percentage of Sand – 0% Soil Type ____________________________ 4. Percentage of Clay – 50% Percentage of Silt – 45% Percentage of Sand – 5% Soil Type ____________________________ 5. Percentage of Clay – 20% Percentage of Silt – 60% Percentage of Sand – 20% Soil Type ____________________________
6. Percentage of Clay – 0% Percentage of Silt – 10% Percentage of Sand – 90% Soil Type ____________________________ 7. Percentage of Clay – 40% Percentage of Silt – 10% Percentage of Sand – 50% Soil Type ____________________________ 8. Percentage of Clay – 30% Percentage of Silt – 60% Percentage of Sand – 10% Soil Type ____________________________ 9. Percentage of Clay – 30% Percentage of Silt – 10% Percentage of Sand – 60% Soil Type ____________________________ 10. Percentage of Clay – 10% Percentage of Silt – 30% Percentage of Sand – 60% Soil Type ____________________________
Environmental Science & Natural Resources
4
.5
Soil Erosion Name _____________________________________________________ Date ___________ Hour ______
Introduction Soil erosion has impacted agriculture and the earth in numerous ways. In this assignment, you will select a topic that is related to soil erosion, research that topic and give a presentation to the class. The topic could be related to the effects of soil erosion, conservation practices to prevent soil erosion, or land forms that were created by soil erosion. Your teacher should approve your selected topic and will give you specific requirements for the presentation.
Presentation Notes ___________________________________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________________________________
Environmental Science & Natural Resources
4
.6
Soil Quality Name _____________________________________________________ Date ___________ Hour ______
Introduction Plant species have a preferred pH range in which they will grow best. Proper pH enables plants to fully use fertilizer and nutrients. Many plants grow faster and produce more fruit and flowers in a slightly acid to neutral medium, from about 6.0 to 7.5. In this activity, you will measure the pH value in a specific plot of a garden or yard. Student Materials Shovel Trowel Clean container for collection of a soil sample Cleaning cloth Spoon, fork, or mixing stick Filters (coffee filters are acceptable)
Funnel or coffee filter holder Clean beaker or bowl Litmus paper pH color chart Liquid measure, calibrated in ounces Water
Procedure 1. Dig a hole at least 4 inches deep where the soil sample will be taken. 2. With the trowel, take a small amount of soil from the smooth side of the hole, 2 ½ to 3 inches below the surface. 3. Put the sample into the clean container. 4. Clean the trowel with the cloth. 5. Take samples from several points in the garden or yard: a. Corners b. Center c. Places where the surface changes, such as high areas 6. Mix soil thoroughly. 7. Place filter in holder and holder in beaker or bowl. a. Note: Use two filters if using coffee filters. 8. Place approximately 1 tablespoon of soil in the filter. 9. Pour 1 to 1 ½ ounces of water over the soil and let it filter into the bowl. 10. Dip litmus paper into the water, watch for color change. 11. Compare color of paper to pH values on the chart. 12. Record the soil pH value below.
Soil pH Value _________________ Environmental Science & Natural Resources
4.6 Observation 1. In step 5, you were asked to take samples from several points. Explain why this is necessary.
_____________________________________________________________________________________
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_____________________________________________________________________________________ 2. Record the soil pH value
_____________________________________________________________________________________ 3. Make a recommendation on soil amendments that could improve the soil.
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_____________________________________________________________________________________ 4. What other soil tests can be conducted to determine the soil quality?
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Environmental Science & Natural Resources
4
.7
Unit Review Crossword Name _____________________________________________________ Date ___________ Hour ______
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Environmental Science & Natural Resources
4.7 Across 2. Changes the consistency, chemical makeup and general composition of soil 5. Accumulation of materials from the soil horizons above 7. Scale which indicates acidity or alkalinity 8. Removes topsoil 10. Refers to the size of the individual soil particles 12. Amendment that contains a guaranteed minimum percentage of nutrients 14. Soil amendments that are derived from living organisms 15. Organic matter 17. Variety of life in the soil 18. Downward movement of materials through soil 19. Scientist who protects the land
Down 1. Added to the soil to help improve properties 3. Various layers in the soil 4. Soil amendments that are mined or man-made 6. Perfect combination of sand, silt and clay 7. Ability for water and air to flow through the soil 9. Original rocky matter before weather has taken place 11. Factors that include temperature and moisture 13. Surface features of a region 16. Small rock particles in the soil
Environmental Science & Natural Resources
.1
Unit Word Search Name _____________________________________________________ Date ___________ Hour ______
Student Materials Pencil Directions Fill in the blank with the correct term from the word bank. Find the word within the word search.
_____________________ 1. T he _____ material of a soil is the original rocky matter before weathering has taken place. _____________________ 2. _ ____ refers to the weather of an area and includes the factors of temperature and moisture. _____________________ 3. There are two types of _____ - physical and chemical. _____________________ 4. The variety of life in the soil is known as _____. _____________________ 5. _____ is the surface features of a region. _____________________ 6. _ ____ contain various nutrients that are important for plant growth, such as calcium and iron. _____________________ 7. _____ matter in soil is made of decaying material from living organisms. _____________________ 8. _____ is the ability for water and air to flow through the soil. _____________________ 9. _____ soils tend to be a perfect combination of sand, silt and clay. _____________________ 10. Soil _____ are classified by properties such as color, texture, structure, thickness, and chemical and mineral content. _____________________ 11. Organic matter is also known as _____. _____________________ 12. The downward movement of materials through the soil when it rains is called _____.
Environmental Science & Natural Resources
4.1 _____________________ 13. The accumulation of materials leached from the soil horizons above in known as _____. _____________________ 14. _____ removes the top layers of soil called topsoil. _____________________ 15. The _____ scale indicates the acidity or alkalinity of the soil. _____________________ 16. A soil _____ refers to a material that is added to the soil to help improve soil quality. _____________________ 17. _____ is a soil amendment that contains a guaranteed minimum percentage of nutrients. _____________________ 18. _____ very in size and shape, resulting in different soil structures.
Environmental Science & Natural Resources
4.1 Word Bank aggregates amendment biodiversity climate eluviation
erosion fertilizer horizons humus illuviation
loam minerals organic parent permeability
pH topography weathering
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S
G
T
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Environmental Science & Natural Resources
4
.2
Weathering Name _____________________________________________________ Date ___________ Hour ______
Introduction Weathering changes the consistency, chemical makeup, moisture content and general composition of soils. There are two types of weathering – physical and chemical. This activity will demonstrate both. Physical weathering is soil breakdown caused by heating and cooling, freezing and thawing, wind, and water. Chemical weathering is the reaction and interaction of water, oxygen, carbon dioxide, and other substances that act on soil particles.
Experiment 1 – Physical Weathering Student Materials Sugar cubes (3) Jar or plastic bottle with lid Scales Paper towel Graph paper Question: What effect will shaking sugar cubes in a jar or container have on the sugar cubes? Hypothesis ________________________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________________________________ Procedure 1. Observe the 3 sugar cubes and describe under the results/data section. Make a drawing of the average sugar cube under the description. 2. Obtain the mass of 3 sugar cubes. 3. Place the sugar cubes in the jar or plastic bottle and make sure the cap is on tight. 4. Shake the bottle in a controlled and consistent manner 20 times. 5. Obtain the mass of the weathered sugar cubes and record. Make another drawing of the sugar cubes. 6. Repeat steps 4 and 5, shaking for 40, 60, 80 and 100 times.
_
Environmental Science & Natural Resources
4.2 Results/Data Describe the appearance of the sugar cubes. ___________________________________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________________________________
Numbers of Shakes
Drawing of Sugar Cube
Mass of Sugar Cubes (g)
0
20
40
60
80
100
Environmental Science & Natural Resources
4.2 Graph the results – number of shakes versus the mass of the sugar cubes on a piece of graph paper. Conclusion Write a conclusion about the results of this activity. Explain if your hypothesis was correct. ___________________________________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________________________________
Experiment 2 – Chemical Weathering Student Materials Steel wool
Plastic bags (2)
Water
Question: What effect will water have on steel wool? Hypothesis ________________________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________________________________ Procedure 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6.
Label a plastic bag “dry” and put a small piece of steel wool in the bag. Label another plastic bag “wet”. Wet the second piece of steel wool and place in the plastic bag that is labeled “wet”. Record your visual observations on Day 1. In what ways are the bags the same or different? Record your visual observations on Day 4. In what ways are the bags the same or different? Examine the steel wool by pulling it apart. Describe.
_
Environmental Science & Natural Resources
4.2 Results/Data Visual Observations
Similarities
Differences
Day 1
Day 4
Conclusions Describe what happens when you pull apart the dry versus wet steel wool. Explain what happened. ___________________________________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________________________________
Environmental Science & Natural Resources
4.2 Summarize the difference between a chemical change and physical change. ___________________________________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________________________________
Environmental Science & Natural Resources
4
.3
Soil Permeability Name _____________________________________________________ Date ___________ Hour ______
Student Materials Soil samples - 4 Filter paper Funnel 100 ml beaker 100 ml graduated cylinder Stop watch Question: Which of the four soil samples will be the most permeable? Hypothesis ________________________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________________________________ Procedure 1. Read entire procedure before beginning. 2. Place a piece of filter paper inside the funnel. 3. Measure 20 ml of soil sample 1 and put into the funnel, on top of the filter paper. 4. Hold the funnel over a beaker and slowly pour 50 ml of water into the funnel. As soon as the water touches the soil sample, begin timing. Stop timing when all water has drained into the beaker. 5. Record the total drainage time in the table under Data and Results. 6. Record the amount of water in the beaker in the table as well. 7. Clean the funnel and beaker and then repeat steps for the other soil samples.
Environmental Science & Natural Resources
4.3 Results/Data Soil Sample
Drainage Time
Drainage Amount
Drainage Rate
% Water Retained
Conclusions Answer the following questions in your conclusion write up. 1. Which sample is the most permeable? Explain. 2. Which sample is the least permeable? Explain. 3. Which sample is the most ideal soil to grow plants? Explain. ___________________________________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________________________________
Environmental Science & Natural Resources
4
.4
Soil Texture Name _____________________________________________________ Date ___________ Hour ______
Introduction Soil texture refers to the size of the individual particles. Soil texture can be determined by the textural triangle or feel flow chart. In this activity, you will determine the soil texture of several samples using the feel flow chart. You will also learn to utilize the textual triangle to determine soil texture.
Part 1: Student Materials Soil samples from various areas Feel Flow Chart Water bottle Procedure 1. Follow the instruction on the Feel Flow Chart for each soil sample. 2. Record findings in the Data and Results table. Data and Results Soil Sample
Ribbon Length
Feel
Soil Texture
Environmental Science & Natural Resources
4.4 Written Results ___________________________________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________________________________
Conclusions Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of the soil textures of your samples. Discuss any soil management problems that might result from the soil textures. ___________________________________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________________________________
Environmental Science & Natural Resources
4.4 Part 2: Student Materials Using the textural triangle, determine the soil type of the following soil scenarios. 1. Percentage of Clay – 80% Percentage of Silt – 10% Percentage of Sand – 10% Soil Type ____________________________ 2. Percentage of Clay – 20% Percentage of Silt – 40% Percentage of Sand – 40% Soil Type ____________________________ 3. Percentage of Clay – 10% Percentage of Silt – 90% Percentage of Sand – 0% Soil Type ____________________________ 4. Percentage of Clay – 50% Percentage of Silt – 45% Percentage of Sand – 5% Soil Type ____________________________ 5. Percentage of Clay – 20% Percentage of Silt – 60% Percentage of Sand – 20% Soil Type ____________________________
6. Percentage of Clay – 0% Percentage of Silt – 10% Percentage of Sand – 90% Soil Type ____________________________ 7. Percentage of Clay – 40% Percentage of Silt – 10% Percentage of Sand – 50% Soil Type ____________________________ 8. Percentage of Clay – 30% Percentage of Silt – 60% Percentage of Sand – 10% Soil Type ____________________________ 9. Percentage of Clay – 30% Percentage of Silt – 10% Percentage of Sand – 60% Soil Type ____________________________ 10. Percentage of Clay – 10% Percentage of Silt – 30% Percentage of Sand – 60% Soil Type ____________________________
Environmental Science & Natural Resources
4
.5
Soil Erosion Name _____________________________________________________ Date ___________ Hour ______
Introduction Soil erosion has impacted agriculture and the earth in numerous ways. In this assignment, you will select a topic that is related to soil erosion, research that topic and give a presentation to the class. The topic could be related to the effects of soil erosion, conservation practices to prevent soil erosion, or land forms that were created by soil erosion. Your teacher should approve your selected topic and will give you specific requirements for the presentation.
Presentation Notes ___________________________________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________________________________
Environmental Science & Natural Resources
4
.6
Soil Quality Name _____________________________________________________ Date ___________ Hour ______
Introduction Plant species have a preferred pH range in which they will grow best. Proper pH enables plants to fully use fertilizer and nutrients. Many plants grow faster and produce more fruit and flowers in a slightly acid to neutral medium, from about 6.0 to 7.5. In this activity, you will measure the pH value in a specific plot of a garden or yard. Student Materials Shovel Trowel Clean container for collection of a soil sample Cleaning cloth Spoon, fork, or mixing stick Filters (coffee filters are acceptable)
Funnel or coffee filter holder Clean beaker or bowl Litmus paper pH color chart Liquid measure, calibrated in ounces Water
Procedure 1. Dig a hole at least 4 inches deep where the soil sample will be taken. 2. With the trowel, take a small amount of soil from the smooth side of the hole, 2 ½ to 3 inches below the surface. 3. Put the sample into the clean container. 4. Clean the trowel with the cloth. 5. Take samples from several points in the garden or yard: a. Corners b. Center c. Places where the surface changes, such as high areas 6. Mix soil thoroughly. 7. Place filter in holder and holder in beaker or bowl. a. Note: Use two filters if using coffee filters. 8. Place approximately 1 tablespoon of soil in the filter. 9. Pour 1 to 1 ½ ounces of water over the soil and let it filter into the bowl. 10. Dip litmus paper into the water, watch for color change. 11. Compare color of paper to pH values on the chart. 12. Record the soil pH value below.
Soil pH Value _________________ Environmental Science & Natural Resources
4.6 Observation 1. In step 5, you were asked to take samples from several points. Explain why this is necessary.
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________ 2. Record the soil pH value
_____________________________________________________________________________________ 3. Make a recommendation on soil amendments that could improve the soil.
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_____________________________________________________________________________________ 4. What other soil tests can be conducted to determine the soil quality?
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Environmental Science & Natural Resources
4
.7
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Environmental Science & Natural Resources
4.7 Across 2. Changes the consistency, chemical makeup and general composition of soil 5. Accumulation of materials from the soil horizons above 7. Scale which indicates acidity or alkalinity 8. Removes topsoil 10. Refers to the size of the individual soil particles 12. Amendment that contains a guaranteed minimum percentage of nutrients 14. Soil amendments that are derived from living organisms 15. Organic matter 17. Variety of life in the soil 18. Downward movement of materials through soil 19. Scientist who protects the land
Down 1. Added to the soil to help improve properties 3. Various layers in the soil 4. Soil amendments that are mined or man-made 6. Perfect combination of sand, silt and clay 7. Ability for water and air to flow through the soil 9. Original rocky matter before weather has taken place 11. Factors that include temperature and moisture 13. Surface features of a region 16. Small rock particles in the soil
Environmental Science & Natural Resources
