Environmental Science Lab Assignment: Soil Testing (Essay Sample)

Soil Testing
Name
Institution
Soil Testing
Soil is the top most part of the land surface that comprises of organic matter, minerals, liquid and gases that serve as natural medium for growth of plants (Hatfield, 2011). Soil characteristics differ depending on the material from which it is derived due to physical, chemical, biological and morphological properties and characteristics (Hatfield, 2011).
Soil is important as it provides a medium for plant growth by supporting roots and keeps the plant upright firm, provides plants with essential minerals and nutrients that protect plants from destructive activities such as erosion, provides plants with air for gaseous exchange to take place, and holds moisture and maintains adequate aeration (Fullen, 2014).
Soil acts as a habitat for many organisms such as insects, rodents, worms and termites. It is a carbon store and regulates atmospheric gases such as carbon dioxide (Rattan, 2013). It also acts as a filtration system for surface water. This results to pure underground water which is good for consumption by humans and animals and for growth of plants (Fullen, 2014).
Soil test is usually conducted to measure the pH and nutrients in the soil. Soil analysis is aimed at determining the inputs required for efficient and economic production (Fullen, 2014). This will ensure proper application of fertilizer to meet plant requirements in addition to the already present nutrients in the soil. It is also important for farms to come up with a nutrient management plan. Proper soil testing assists in environmental protection by determining the appropriate amount of minerals applied (Hatfield, 2011).
Three soil samples are taken from a local school farm, neighboring farm and from our home each from an area of one acre. Each sample collected by pushing a soil probe 20 centimeters deep in the soil from twenty randomly selected parts from each sampling area and cores are obtained from each part. Each sample is then placed in clean plastic bucket separately and plant residues and rocks are removed and mixed thoroughly. Two cups of composite are scooped from each bucket and placed in three labelled boxes for each sample. The soil color was determined using Munsell soil color chart, the soil texture was tested to determine the percentage of silt, sand, and clay. The soil pH was to determine the acidity or alkalinity of the three soil samples while the presence three nutrients namely Phosphorus (P), Potassium (K), and nitrate (NO3) was tested. Each sample results is presented in the Table 1
Table 1. Analysis of soils

COLOR

TEXTURE

PH.

NUTRIENTS
PRESENT

SCHOOL FARM

Grey

Silt= 45%
Sand= 40%
Clay = 15%

6.0

P, K,