Soil Analysis

Objective: Students will determine, by means of a chemical test, soil pH, available nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium levels.

Learner Goals: 2.1, 2.2, 2.3, 2.6

Materials: Soil test kit and soil samplestr_shovelofsoil.jpg (27317 bytes)

Procedure:

1. Spread soil samples on clean sheets of paper and allow to dry. (Do not heat to accelerate drying.)

2. Remove foreign matter such as twigs, leaves, stones, and insects.

3. Crush soil to remove lumps and sift through a screen to give a uniform sample.

4. Perform the chemical analysis to determine the types of plants for this soil or fertilizer is needed.

Assessment: Teachers may want to write questions pertinent to their assignments for the students to answer.

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