Task 3: Examine the humus content of one soil sample This is a sample results table that 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 z„
z„ z„
Breakdown of soil shows 7.5% humus content
Fertile soil: Soil with a higher percentage of humus content Less fertile soil: Soil with less than 5% humus
*Note: Results from Task 1: Examine the vegetation of your three chosen sites can also indicate humus content.
Identifying Soil Profiles from Humus Content
Brown soil: 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); little or no humus content as a result. Peaty soil: Develops in upland areas and bogland areas, also prone to flooding; little or no humus content.
Task 4: Measure the moisture and air content of one soil sample
This is a sample results table that can be adapted to suit your own task details. Measurements
Weight of soil used in experiment: 10 grams Weight of soil following experiment: 6.5 grams % air and water in soil: Convert weight loss to a percentage = 3.5/10 x 100 = 35%
Conclusions z„
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238 Weight loss can be attributed to loss of air and soil due to heating.
Air and water are essential for any plant and animal life to survive on or in soil. If soil has less than 25% air and 25% water, this can affect fertility.
