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Home > Education > Activities and Resources for Earth Science Teachers > Activity #28
Activity #28: Soil Sampling Techniques and Data SheetOBJECTIVESTo have students collect a representative soil sample from a piece of land (preferably their own) as an introduction to soil testing and other soil activities. TIMEOne (1) class period, with outside sampling by students. BACKGROUNDA soil data sheet consists of the results of a series of tests and other significant information that one obtains about a specific soil sample from a known location. The data sheet gives a wide variety of information about the soil and its potential use. The types of information include the following: specific soil name, texture, slope of soil, colorations of the subsoil horizons, organic matter content (this is abbreviated OM in texts and literature), percolation rate, results of macronutrient tests (at the very LEAST nitrogen, potassium, and phosphorus), and the results of a pH test. Other information can be added as needed or desired. The time needed for a more or less comprehensive teaching unit on soils is about 3-4 weeks, including lab time and testing. In areas with any significant amount of agricultural activity there will be a high degree of student and possibly even parent interest in this aspect of earth science. Students need to supply a "uniform sample" of topsoil from their garden (preferred) or lawn and will need a full (one pound) coffee can of material. Make certain that the samples are LABELED with the student's name as they are brought in; it is very hard to distinguish your soil sample among 25 others stored in identical Maxwell House coffee cans. All large debris (over 2 inches) should be removed before starting any of the activities subsequently described in this book. As the section on soils progresses, each student should develop a written profile of the pertinent facts about his/her soil. A sample profile sheet is attached; you may wish to develop your own based on local needs. Once completed, this bank of information makes an excellent basis for student oral reports, essay test question(s), posters, and so on. MATERIALSTrowel or soil auger, coffee can, labels, and tape measure. Soil survey maps and topographic maps should be available in the class room; optional in the field. PROCEDUREObviously the sampling process will greatly affect the nature of the test results. A single sample, scooped up near the compost pile for example, will have a tremendous difference in OM value and nutrient content from the "average" or more representative sample. If possible students should obtain a representative sample using a pattern similar to the one shown below. You may wish to demonstrate this on a nearby field or garden. If a sampling auger (e.g. Ben Meadows #220160, $32.60) is not available, identical results can be obtained with a good trowel and a little extra effort. The distances between sampling points are not critical as long as a number of samples go into the mix and the samples come from all parts of the test area. Distances can be increased for larger plots and decreased for smaller ones. Avoid any sample location that will obviously skew the results - for example an area around a dropped bag of lime. Once all the samples have been collected, they should be mixed thoroughly in a CLEAN 5 gallon plastic bucket or similar container and the coffee can sample taken from the five gallon bucket. Each X in the above diagram indicates a location for an auger sample; if using a trowel, remove any turf or surface vegetation, and take one good trowel full to a depth of 4-6 inches. The soil auger will take a narrower sample to a depth of about one foot. Be certain, immediately upon collecting the sample, to label it. Include the date, the sample's precise location, and other field information that you deem significant. SPECIAL SAFETY PRECAUTIONSNone FOLLOW-UPSee the next few activities. SOURCEActivity developed by Duane Leavitt from procedures described in The Nature and Properties of Soils, by Harry O. Buckman and Nye C. Brady (The Macmillan Co., New York, eighth printing, 1966). Figure 1. Sample collection diagram for a 40 x 60 foot garden.
Activity #28: Soil Sampling Techniques and Data SheetPURPOSEIn this activity you will collect a representative soil sample for subsequent testing and analysis. MATERIALSTrowel or soil auger, tape measure, coffee can with lid, label for can, pens, and notebook. PROCEDUREUsing the sampling patterns and techniques discussed in class, collect and label a sample of soil from your garden, lawn, or fields. Using the attached Soil Data Sheet, record information about your soil as you develop it, in this and subsequent activities. SOIL DATA SHEET1. Location of site where sample was taken: __________________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________________ 2. Collected by: _________________________________________________________________ 3. Date: ____________________________________ 4. Weather conditions: ___________________________________________________________ 5. Rough sketch of land plot showing sampling sites, include distances between sampling sites. 6. County soil survey map symbol: ____________________________ and mapping unit name: __________________________________________________________________________________ 7. Slope: ____________________________________________ 8. Use class: _________________________________________ 9. Brief description of listed horizons: __________________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________________ 10. Textural classification: % Sand: _______________% Silt: _______________% Clay: ______________% 11. Percolation rate in gallons/hour: _______________________________________ 12. pH (acidity content): ______________________________________________ 13. Other: __________________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________________ Last updated on October 6, 2005 |
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