Task 3: Examine the humus content of one soil sample These sample results can be adapted to suit your own task details.
Measurements Weight of soil sample used in experiment: 80 grams Weight of humus content extracted following completion of experiment: 6 grams Convert to a percentage: 6/80 x 100/1 = 7.5%
Conclusions Breakdown of soil shows 7.5% humus content. Less fertile soil has less than 5% humus. Fertile soil has more than 5% humus content.
*Note: Results from Task 1: Examine the vegetation of your three chosen sites can also indicate humus content.
Identifying Soil Profi les from Humus Content Brown soil is rich in humus content due to presence of vegetation; humus content gives this soil its brown colour.
Podzol soil has very little humus content due to such characteristics as leaching and the presence of hardpan.
Gley soil develops in areas prone to flooding (mountains). It has little or no humus content as a result. Peaty soil develops in upland areas and bogland areas and is also prone to flooding. It has little or no humus content.
Task 4: Measure the moisture and air content of one soil sample These sample results can be adapted to suit your own task details.
Measurements
Weight of soil used in experiment: 10 g Weight of soil following experiment: 6.5 g % air and water in soil: Convert weight loss to a percentage = 3.5/10 × 100 = 35%
Conclusions
Weight loss can be attributed to loss of air and moisture due to heating. Air and water are essential for any plant and animal life to survive on or in soil. Having less than 25% air and 25% water can affect a soil’s fertility.