Soil
& Agriculture: Lesson 1 - What is the Composition of Soil?
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Activity 1
Composition of Soil
Introduction | Invitation | Exploration | Explanation | Taking Action | Conclusion
Introduction:
Soil means different things to different people. Earth Scientists look at soil to see how it is formed. Engineers look at soil as a material to build on. Agriculturalists look at soil as a material in which to grow crops. Others think of soil as dirt to play in or get dirty from. Soil can be studied in its natural state or after it is moved to be analyzed. Soil characteristics are diverse and can be used to best determine the uses of different soils.
Objectives:
To develop an understanding of soil forming factors and the different components of soil.
Materials: For this activity, you
will need:Reference Materials and a soil testing kit that will provide
materials for pH, nitrogen, potassium, and phosphorous tests. Examples
of these test kits include those by LaMotte Company and "Rapitest"
soil test kit by Luster Leaf Products, Inc. This test kit is commonly
found at Walmart and other discount stores.
Invitation:
In order to understand all about soil, it will be necessary to learn which materials are included in soil.
Research these links:
- SECRETS HIDDEN IN SOIL
- EXPLAIN THE SOIL PROFILE
- EXPLAIN HOW SOILS WITHIN THE PROFILE CHANGE OVER TIME
and answer the following questions:
- Describe the 5 components of soil.
- What is a soil profile?
- Will a soil profile change over time? If so, how?
- Draw and label the primary layers of a soil profile.
Discuss the information in your groups and post your messages on theEco-Connections
Project Forum for this module.
Students will collect soil samples from various areas and bring these to school. Some of the samples may even be collected from the school site. Hand lenses will be used by students to investigate the composition of their soil samples. Observations should be recorded so that they can be shared later. Students should be encouraged to use the process skills of observing, comparing, contrasting and classifying as they closely examine each soil sample.
Teacher Background Information:
This lesson should be introduced after students have had the opportunity to observe sand, clay, and loam, and have done a soil profile.
Management Strategies:
- Students present their findings individually or as a group.
- Work area students remain at their assigned tables.
- Special needs students may need extra attention with the instructions (which may be given individually if needed).
- This activity may lead to a great deal of debate, therefore, the teacher should address the issue of how to disagree with each other politely.
Record your findings on the Eco-Connections Project Forum for this module.
Top
There are many different components that make up soil samples. Each component is important, because different characteristics affect how soil can be used.
A soil survey includes soil maps and descriptions of each type of soil in the geographical area, as well as interpretations of the soil's characteristics and potential for community planning, agricultural land management, engineering and wildlife management.The survey describes a soil's potential for many uses, such as agriculture of forestry. More importantly, the survey highlights a soil's limitations for some uses, and the risk of damaging the soil or the environment through improper use. For example, the survey includes interpretations of a soil's potential and limitations for agricultural uses. It includes definitions of common agricultural crops and land characteristics that may affect soil management. The survey identifies areas where wind or water erosion is a major concern, and what can be done to control it.The most suitable hay and pasture plants for specific soils, and practices that can overcome shortcomings in a particular soil. Average expected yields per acre of principal crops raised under a high degree of management over time. Soils are also rated for their suitability for recreation, such as camping areas, picnic areas, playgrounds, paths and trails for hiking and horseback riding and golf fairways.The survey interprets the suitability of soils for the construction of dwellings and small commercial buildings, local roads and streets, septic tank absorption fields, sewage lagoons, landfills, ponds, and dikes and levees. How can you use a soil survey to help plan projects in your community?
Visit the Soil Survey for further information.
Top
Conclusion:
We have discussed the different soil components, as well as the different types of soil. In another lesson in this module you will learn what plants grow best in various soils.
Links: http://www.id.blm.gov/iso/931/soil/foodgrphc.htm