Soil Lab Questions
Part 1:
Sand Loam
b. 30% sand, 10% clay, 60% silt
Silt Loam
c. 10% silt, 50% sand, 40% clay
Sandy Clay
d. 30% clay, 30% sand, 40% silt
Clay Loam
e. 60% clay, 10% sand, 30% silt
Clay
f. 40% sand, 10% silt, 50% clay
Clay
Part III: Classification of Soil Texture by Hand
a: Using the method described above, try to classify your soil as mostly sand, mostly silt or mostly clay. How did you classify your soil based on this “by hand” method? What lead you to this conclusion?
Our sand mainly consisted of sand because due to the hand method, our dirt felt really smooth but brittle leading us to conclude our dirt was sand.
b: Now use the dichotomous key to classify your soil. What soil texture would you classify your sample based on this method?
We were able to show our dirt was sand based on this method.
c: Do it again with the flow diagram- how would you classify your soil now?
The classification was still sand.
d: Did your answers to all of the methods agree with each other? Why or why not?
The hand method, dichotomous key and the flow diagram each concluded that the soil type in my backyard was indeed sand.
- Calculate and record the percent sand, silt, and clay in the soil sample. -
- Use the soil textural triangle to determine the texture of the soil sample. -
- 1. Use the soil triangle to determine the type of soils with the following particle sizes
Sand Loam
b. 30% sand, 10% clay, 60% silt
Silt Loam
c. 10% silt, 50% sand, 40% clay
Sandy Clay
d. 30% clay, 30% sand, 40% silt
Clay Loam
e. 60% clay, 10% sand, 30% silt
Clay
f. 40% sand, 10% silt, 50% clay
Clay
- 2. List and describe three ways in which soil pH affects an ecosystem.
- Reduction of bacteria means a loss of decomposition and nutrient release
- pH determines plant growth
- Plants that can survive in low pH could dominate the land around them
- 3. What types of vegetation does soil of the type and pH you sampled best support?
- 4. What would be the ideal type and pH of soil to have around a home?
- 5. What would be the ideal type and pH of soil for agriculture?
- 6. How do farmers adjust the pH of soils?
Part III: Classification of Soil Texture by Hand
a: Using the method described above, try to classify your soil as mostly sand, mostly silt or mostly clay. How did you classify your soil based on this “by hand” method? What lead you to this conclusion?
Our sand mainly consisted of sand because due to the hand method, our dirt felt really smooth but brittle leading us to conclude our dirt was sand.
b: Now use the dichotomous key to classify your soil. What soil texture would you classify your sample based on this method?
We were able to show our dirt was sand based on this method.
c: Do it again with the flow diagram- how would you classify your soil now?
The classification was still sand.
d: Did your answers to all of the methods agree with each other? Why or why not?
The hand method, dichotomous key and the flow diagram each concluded that the soil type in my backyard was indeed sand.