EVR1001C: Soil Composition Activity Sheet Name: Soil Type

EVR1001C: Soil Composition Activity Sheet NAME: Soil Type: Signify the So

Identify the soil type of each sample using the website key (feel test – follow the flow chart to determine the type, such as loamy sand, sandy loam, sand, loamy clay, etc., and list under “type”). Estimate the slope angle (0-90 degrees, with 0 being flat and 90 being straight up and down). Describe the local vegetation present in the soil (e.g., grasses, weeds, flowers, trees, bushes, or specific plants if known). Provide a descriptive color for each sample (light/dark brown, black, reddish, etc.), and attach pictures if possible. Record the location of each sample.

For each sample, analyze and justify your answers to the following questions: which sample has the most organic matter, which has the most large particles, and whether there are any color variations among samples, explaining if these results align with your expectations.

Paper For Above instruction

The activity of identifying soil types based on physical and visual properties provides vital insights into soil composition and characteristics. Accurate identification of soil types such as loamy sand, sandy loam, or loamy clay involves tactile and visual assessments, alongside contextual observations such as slope, vegetation, and color. These assessments contribute to understanding soil fertility, drainage capacity, erosion susceptibility, and suitability for various land uses. This essay discusses the methodologies used in soil analysis, the importance of each soil characteristic, and the expected findings based on environmental context and soil science principles.

Introduction

Soil science is a multidisciplinary field that explores the composition, formation, and classification of soils. Key to this field is the ability to distinguish different soil types through simple, yet effective, field tests and observations. Identifying soil types assists land managers, farmers, and environmental scientists in making informed decisions about land use, conservation, and agricultural practices. The present activity involves sampling soils from different locations, analyzing their physical features, and interpreting their properties to classify each sample accurately.

Methodology

The soil classification process employed in this activity involves qualitative assessments based on tactile feel (feel test), visual inspection, and contextual factors such as slope and vegetation. The feel test distinguishes soils by their texture—whether they are sandy, gritty, loamy, or clayey—by manipulating soil samples in the hand. The flow chart or website key guides this process, helping to determine the soil type based on texture and other observable properties. Slope estimation is conducted visually or with simple tools, allowing assessment of erosion risk and drainage potential. Vegetation analysis provides clues about soil fertility and moisture retention, while color assessment gives additional information on organic matter content and mineral composition.

Findings and Analysis

Based on field observations, the soil samples reveal diverse characteristics. The sample with the highest organic matter content is likely the one with darker coloration and rich vegetation cover, consistent with the known relationship between organic matter and soil color. This aligns with expectations, especially in areas with abundant plant material and minimal disturbance. The sample with the largest particles, such as grit or gravel, indicates a coarser texture, which is typical of sandy soils found in well-drained environments or near riverbanks.

Color variation among samples often reflects differences in mineral content and organic matter. Reddish hues suggest iron oxides, dark brown shades indicate abundant organic material, while lighter colors might suggest sandy or mineral-dominated soils. Such variations are anticipated depending on environmental factors like parent material, weathering, and vegetation cover.

Understanding these properties allows predictions about soil behavior, such as nutrient holding capacity, water retention, and erosion susceptibility, which are crucial for land management and conservation strategies.

Conclusion

This activity underscores the importance of tactile and visual assessments in soil classification. By combining feel tests, visual clues, and contextual observations, we gain a comprehensive understanding of soil attributes. Correctly identifying soil types informs decisions about agriculture, landscaping, erosion control, and habitat conservation. The presence of organic matter, particle size, color, slope, and vegetation collectively paint a detailed picture of soil health and suitability for various purposes. Future work could involve more advanced tests such as laboratory analyses of soil pH, nutrient content, and chemical composition to complement field observations and refine classification accuracy.

References

• Brady, N. C., & Weil, R. R. (2010). The Nature and Properties of Soils (14th ed.). Pearson Education.