Soil Sampling and Survey Assignment
Soil Textural Triangle Practice Exercises:
% Sand % Silt % Clay Texture Name
- 75 10 15 sandy loam
- 10 83 7 _______________________
- c) 20 20 70 _______________________
Soil Texture Worksheet
Directions: Using your soil texture chart and example, determine the following soil textures using the percentages provided below:
% sand % silt % clay Soil Texture
example 75 10 15 sandy loam
- 42 _____ 37 __________________
- ______ 52 21 __________________
- ______ 35 50 __________________
- 64 30 ______ __________________
- 50 _____ 40 __________________
Q-What is the difference between sand , silt, and clay
PROCEDURE
Field Investigation
You are to collect soil from 3 different locations, anywhere in Harford County – Sites could include your backyard, a state park, a farm field, literally anywhere where there is soil (try to avoid recent construction areas). Use the shovel to take a sample somewhere between 6-12 inches down. Place the sample in a bag if necessary. Use a Munsell Soil Chart (https://www.southsuburbanairport.com/Environmental/pdf2/Part%204%20-%20References/Reference%2016%20Munsell%20Color%20Charts/MunsellColorChart.pdf)
determine the soil color of your soil using correct soil color notation. Take a picture of your soil and paste them below. Record your results in the table, and answer the questions that follow.
| Sample location | Soil color notation
|
Color name |
| 1 | ||
| 2 | ||
| 3 |
Pic of Sample 1:
Pic of Sample 2:
Pic of Sample 3:
REVIEW QUESTIONS
Each color chip described by three components of color. Define each of these elements.
Hue
Value
Chroma
If you added organic matter to your above soil sample, would the Munsell color notation change? Explain.
Bluish-gray colored soils are called gley, and are the color of reduced iron compounds. What does this tell you about the history of a soil with this color?
What is the name of the system you used to determine soil color is called?
Define mottling.
What does mottling in the subsoil suggest?
