Caribbean Advanced Proficiency

Examinations
Environmental Science

Name of Student: Bibi Fareada Khan

Candidate Number:
Name of school: St. Rose’s High School
School Code:
Name of Teacher: Sir Mark
Date of Submission: 2018, April 26th
 Table of Content
Content Page No.

Topic and Title page_________________________________________________2

Methodology ______________________________________________________3

Literature Review_________________________________________________4-5

Entries_________________________________________________________6-11

Labs__________________________________________________________12-25

Discussion of findings_______________________________________________26

Conclusion ________________________________________________________27

Reference _________________________________________________________28

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Topic: Soil Fertility

Title: An investigation of Soil Fertility at National Agricultural Research

Extension Institute (NAREI) in order to assess the level of concentration of ions in
their solution.

Purpose of study

The National Agricultural Research & Extension Institute (NAREI) vision is “to ensure food
security, prosperity and livelihoods of all, using technological innovations in agriculture.”
The purpose of this research is to identify the factors that affect the growth of vegetation at
the National Agricultural Research Extension Institute (NAREI) compound. The
investigations were conducted on the soil samples to provide information on the quality of
their soil so they can be aware of their soil fertility and how it affects their vegetation. The
researcher's objectives are:

● To observe the vegetation on plots A, B, C and D in field

● To examine the process of soil extraction using correct tool
● To make a general comparison among soil samples collected during the extraction
stage, with respect to physical characteristics such as colour intensity, texture and
coarseness
● To investigate the relationship between soil and vegetation observed on plot A as
compared with shade house Plot B.

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Methodology

The data elicited was gathered from both primary and secondary sources. The primary
sources of data was the soil samples obtained from fields A, B, C & D. Hence, the soil
samples of data was the use of the internet sites on the World Wide Web and the use of text
books.

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Literature Review
According to the //www.iaea.org/topics/improving-soil-fertility accessed on the 12th
February 2018 soil fertility is the ability of the soil to sustain plant growth and optimize crop
yield. Accessed on 12th February 2018 NSW Agriculture and Acids Soil Action state that
the ideal pH range for plant growth is from 5.0- 8.0. The researcher’s soil pH results had an
average pH of 5. This means the soil was more acidic meaning the soil was rich in nutrients
such as nitrogen, potassium, sulfur and calcium. This is because most plant nutrients are
found in this pH range. Nitrogen phosphorus, sulfur, magnesium and calcium require a very
slightly acidic to a very slightly alkaline soil pH. According to the USDA Natural Resources
Conservation Service accessed on 12th February 2018 the electrolytic conductivity of soil is
affected by its salinity or ionic (salt) levels of the soil, other factors that affect the soil’s
electrolytic conductivity are water holding capacity, porosity and temperature. The greater
the soil’s porosity the more easily it conducts electricity, it also states that soils with a high
clay content has more total pore space than sandier soil’s when other soil parameters remain
constant, this research is precise because the researcher’s results of electrolytic conductivity
demonstrated that plot/field B had the lowest electrolytic conductivity compared to the other
soils of the other plots. According to the Africa Geography Blog accessed on February 12th
2018 stated that factors affecting soil organic matter are climate, natural vegetation, texture,
drainage and cropping and tillage. Three factors that relates to the researcher’s results are
natural vegetation, texture and drainage. Natural vegetation refers to the total organic matter
being higher in soils developed under grasslands. Fine texture soils are generally higher in
organic matter than coarse soils demonstrated by results of plot/field B compared to the other
plots. Poorly drain soils and poor aeration cause soils to have a high organic content because
of their high moisture content. According to the United States Department of Agriculture
Natural Resources Conversation Service accessed on February 13th 2018, Phosphorus’
primary role in a plant is to store and transfer energy produced by photosynthesis for use in
growth and reproductive processes. It also stated the soils with adequate phosphorus
promotes root growth, stimulate tillering and hasten maturity. It also states that Climatic and
site conditions, such as rainfall and temperature, and moisture and soil aeration (oxygen
levels), and salinity (salt content/electrical conductivity) affect the rate of Phosphorus
mineralization from organic matter decomposition. Organic matter decomposes releasing
Phosphorus more quickly in warm humid climates and slower in cool dry climates.
Phosphorus is released faster when soil is well aerated (higher oxygen levels) and much
slower on saturated wet soils. This information can accurately relate to the researcher’s
results, field/plot B has the least vegetation therefore has the lowest phosphorus levels.
According to the author John Hewitson from the from the Science and Arts for schools
accessed on the February 13th 2018 states that Increase in nitrate, like increase in any salt
will increase the osmotic concentration of the soil solution. The roots of the plant then have
to take up minerals from a more and more concentrated solution. If the solution outside gets
too concentrated, there will come a point where the plant is not able to take up any water
against the concentration gradient and the plant will start to wilt. Even before this point is
reached, the plant will grow slower, none of the fields/plots had wilting vegetation but the
effect of nitrates can be seen by the rate at which the vegetation was grown .Field A is more
densely vegetated than all the other plots with field B being the least vegetated, shown in the

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result field B has the highest nitrate concentration than all the other plots with field B having
the lower nitrate
concentration therefore the absence of nitrates indeed affect the growth of vegetation.
According to the United States Department of Agriculture Natural Resources Conservation
service Inherent factors such as soil drainage, soil texture, and slope steepness impact
Nitrate transport and Nitrate transformation processes that limit availability to crops or lead
to losses. Inherent factors such as rainfall and temperature; and site conditions such as
moisture, soil aeration (oxygen levels), and salt content (electrical conductivity/EC) affect
rate of N mineralization from organic matter decomposition, nitrogen cycling, and nitrogen
losses through leaching, runoff, or denitrification. Organic matter decomposes releasing
nitrate more quickly in warm humid climates and slower in cool dry climates. This nitrates
release is also quicker in well aerated soils and much slower on wet saturated soils. Nitrogen
can readily leach out of the root zone in nitrate form.

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Entry No. 1
Date: 2017:12:19
Site: National Agricultural Research Extension Institute (NAREI) Field 17
Objective: To observe the vegetation on plot A, plot B, plot C and plot D.

Activity
● Photographs were taken to assist in the write up.
● The height of the vegetation on each plot of land was examined.
● The colour intensity of the vegetation on each plot of land was examined.
● The abundance of vegetation on each plot of land was observed.

Observations
● It was observed that some plots had mixed cropping activity conducted.
● It was observed that the height of vegetation on each plot of land varied.
● It was observed that the colour intensity of the vegetation on each plot of land varied.
● It was observed that plot B had more vegetation than plot C, while plot A had more
than plot B and plot D had more vegetation than plot A.

Comments
● Plot A had more vegetation than plot B, because plot B had sandy soil while plot
A had clayey soil.
● Plot A vegetation had a more intense colour than plot B because plot B had a
shade house.
● The suitable depth for vegetation vary from 0-6, 6-12 and 12-18 inches.

Follow up Activity
The researcher examined the process of soil extraction using the correct tools (the soil prob
and agar).

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Entry No. 2
Date: 2017:12:19
Site: National Agricultural Research Extension Institute (NAREI) Field 17
Objective: To examine the process of soil extraction using correct tools.
Activity
● Photographs were taken to assist in the write up.
● The depth of soil of each vegetation was examined.
● The method used for the extraction of the soil was assessed.
● The soil samples were extracted from each plot of land using the appropriate tools.

Observations
● It was observed that the soil depth for the vegetation on each plot of lands varied.
● It was observed that the soil Agar was placed into the soil, turned clockwise and then
brought up anti-clockwise to obtain the soil.
● It was observed that the soil probe was placed into the soil and pushed downwards to
a certain depth to obtain the soil.
● The soil Agar was used on plots A, B and C, while the soil probe was used on plot D.

Comments
● The suitable depth of the soil for vegetation vary from 0-6, 6-12 and 12-18 inches.
● The soil Agar was used on plots A, B and C because there was clay soil present,
while the soil probe was used on plot D because there was sandy soil present.

Follow up Activity
The researcher made a general comparison among soil samples collected during the
extraction stage, with respect to the physical characteristics such as colour, intensity and
coarseness.

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Entry No. 3
Date: 2017:12:19
Site: National Agricultural Research Extension Institute (NAREI) Field 17
Objective: To make a general comparison among soil samples collected during the extraction
stage, with respect to the physical characteristics such as colour, intensity and
coarseness.
Activity
● Photographs were taken to assist in the write up.
● The colour of each soil sample extracted was assessed.
● The texture of each soil sample extracted was assessed.
● The coarseness of each soil sample extracted was assessed.

Observations

PHYSICAL CHARACTERISTICS

Colour Texture Coarseness

Plot

A Dark brown Smooth Fine

(particles closely packed)

B Brown Rough (gritty) Medium coarse

C Brown Fine

Moderately smooth (particles closely packed)

D Brown Rough Medium coarse

The table above shows Plots A, B, C and D along with their physical characteristics.

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Comments
Field A had a dark–brown colour because of the nutrient and water holding capacity
compared to field B, C and D soil sample being brown. Field A, C and D had a more
coarse soil sample compared to soil sample of field B because the soil sample of Field B
have Large soil particles preventing a high water holding capacity. Also field A, C and D
had a soft moist texture because of its very small soil particles and water holding
capacity.

Follow up Activity
The researcher will investigate the relationship between the soils of plot A as compared with
the shade house (plot B).

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Entry No. 4
Date: 2017:12:19
Site: National Agricultural Research Extension Institute (NAREI) Field 17
Objective: To investigate the relationship between the soils of plot A as compared with the
shade house (plot B).

Activity
● Photographs were taken to assist in the write up.
● The soil types present on Plot A and Plot B was compared.
● The density of vegetation on plot A and plot B was compared.
● The physical characteristics of the soil on Plot A and Plot B was compared.
● The physical characteristics of the vegetation on Plot A and Plot B was compared.

Observations

SOIL VEGETATION

PHYSICAL CHARACTERISTICS

Plot

Colour Texture Coarseness Height Colour

Type Density
(inches)

A Clay Dark Smooth Fine Approx. Green Dense

brown
20

B Sand Brown Rough Medium Approx. Lighter green Sparse

(gritty) coarse than A
20 -30

The table above shows a comparison between Plots A and B

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Comments
Field A had a dark soil sample because the soil has small soil particles preventing less air
space and allow a higher water holding capacity, the high water content gives the soil the
darkened colour, the Soil samples were labelled and place in separate bags to prevent the
samples from mixing and producing inaccurate results, the auger was used on field A because
of the type of soil of field A which was compact and coarse allowing the soil to be held in the
auger.

Follow up Activity
The researcher will conduct laboratory tests on the soil samples extracted.

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Lab No: 1 (one)

Date: 2017:12:19

Title: Electrolytic Conductivity

Aim: To investigate the Electrolytic Conductivity of the soil samples extracted.

Reagents/Apparatus:

● Stirring rod

● 100ml beaker
● Stop watch
● 10g soil sample
● 25ml distilled water
● Conductivity Meter

Procedure:
● The materials, reagents and apparatus was gathered.

● 10 grams of soil sample was weighed and 25 ml of distilled water was then added.

● It was stirred for 10 minutes.

● Then the solution was allowed to stand for 30 minutes

● It was stirred again for 2 minutes.

● The solution was then filtered.

● The sample was then read off from the conductivity meter.

● The procedure was repeated using the other soil samples.

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Results/Observation:

Plot/Field Depth Electrolytic Conductivity of soil

(inches) (mmhos/cm)
A 0-6 0.32
6-12 0.22
B 0-6 0.15
6-12 0.23
C 0-6 0.24
6-12 0.28
D 0-6 0.31
6-12 0.26

THE TABLE ABOVE SHOWS THE RESULTS FOR THE SOIL SAMPLES AND THEIR
ELECTROLYTIC CONDUCTIVITY

Graph No. 1

0.35

0.3

0.25

0.2

0.15

0.1

0.05

0
A B C D

(0-6) Inches (6-12) Inches

THE COLUMN GRAPH ABOVE SHOWS THE ELECTRO CONDUCTIVITY AGAINSTS

PLOTS A, B, C AND D

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Discussion
Soil electrolytic conductivity (EC) is the soil’s ability to conduct electrical energy, one factor that
affect the electrolytic conductivity of soil is porosity ,the more porous the soil the less the electrolytic
conductivity of the soil, particles size of the soil also affect the electrolytic conductivity of the soil ,
the smaller the particle size of the soil the higher the electrolytic conductivity as demonstrated by
result of field B having the lowest electrolytic conductivity compared to the rest of plots. Another
factor that affects the electrolytic conductivity of soil is the water content, plot B had a low water
content because of the soil structure. Large in particle size and very porous reducing its electrolytic
conductivity.

Conclusion
Plot A, C and D had similar electrolytic conductivity with plot B being the lowest.

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Lab No: 2 (Two)
Date: 2017:12:19

Title: pH in Soil

Aim: To investigate the pH of the soil samples extracted.

Reagents/Apparatus:

● pH meter
● stirring rod
● 100ml beaker
● Stop watch
● Scale
● 10g soil sample
● 25ml distilled water
Procedure:
● The materials, reagents and apparatus was gathered.

● 10 grams of soil sample was weighed and 25 ml of distilled water was then added.

● It was stirred for 10 minutes.

● Then the solution was allowed to stand for 30 minutes.

● It was stirred again for 2 minutes.

● The pH was then measured with the pH meter while stirring the solution.

● The procedure was repeated using the other soil samples

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Results/Observation:

Plots Depth pH of soil

(inches)
A 0-6 5.34
6-12 5.30
B 0-6 5.30
6-12 5.33
C 0-6 5.32
6-12 5.22
D 0-6 5.20
6-12 5.36

THE TABLE ABOVE SHOWS THE TESTING FOR pH FOR THE SOIL SAMPLES
EXTRACTED FROM PLOTS A, B, C AND D

Graph No. 2

5.4

5.35 5.36
5.34
5.33
5.3 5.32
5.3 5.3

5.25

5.2 5.22
5.2

5.15

5.1
Field/Plot A Field/Plot B Field/Plot C Field/Plot D

(0-6) Inches (6-12)Inches

THE COLUMN GRAPH ABOVE SHOWS pH AGAINSTS PLOTS A, B, C AND D

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Discussion:
In field A the higher part of the soil had a higher pH than the lower part as shown in the results, the
first layer (0-6) inches has a pH of 5.34 compared to the lower part of the soil (6-12) inches has a pH
of 5.30.In field B the lower part of the soil (0-6) inches had a higher pH than the higher part of the soil
(6-12) inches. The top soil (0-6) inches had a pH of 5.30 and the lower soil (6-12) inches had a pH of
5.33, although pH results differ they’re a very similar results showing that pH is almost constant
throughout the soil of field A and field B. In field C the higher soil has a higher (0-6) pH than the
lower soil (6-12) inches, the top soil has a pH of 5.32 compared to the lower soil with a pH of 5.22. In
field D the higher soil has a lower (0-6) inches pH than the lower soil (6-12) inches, the top soil has a
pH of 5.20 and the lower soil has pH of 5.36. In field C and D their pH for the top and lower soil are
very different from each other. For field D the pH is affected by leaching, this is because the higher
pH of the top soil is lower than the pH of the lower soil statistically demonstrating that the nutrients
from the top soil moves to the lower soil as shown by the pH content, Leaching is caused by
precipitation. Mixed cropping is a major factor that affected the pH of both field C and D. The
Incorporation of several crops on one field of plot will affect the soil pH, different crops require
different nutrients from the soil, and therefore the variety of crops will absorbed their required
nutrient and affect the soil pH causing a difference in pH of the upper and lower soil.

Conclusion:
Plot A and B had a small pH difference between the top soil (0-6) inches and lower soil (6-12) inches
with Plot C and D having a high pH difference between top and lower soil.

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Lab No: 3(Three)

Date: 2017:12:19

Title: Nitrates

Aim: To investigate the percentage of concentrations of nitrates in the four different locations
at NAREI.

Reagents/Apparatus:

● Colorimeter
● 1ml pipette
● Test tube
● Test tube cap
● 5ml graduated cylinder
● Stop watch
● 0.1g spoon
● Soil extract
● Nitrate reducing reagent

Procedure:
● The power button was pressed and hold down until the colorimeter had turned on
● The ENTER button was pressed to selected TESTING MENU.
● All test was selected (or another sequence containing 064 Nitrate-NLR) from
TESTING MENU.
● 064 Nitrate-NLR was selected from menu.
● The ml pipette (0354) was used to add 1ml of soil extract to a clean tube (0290) and it
was diluted to
● The tube was inserted into chamber and the lid was closed and the SCAN BLANK
was selected.
● The tube was removed from colorimeter and 5ml was poured into the graduated
cylinder or similar. The remaining diluted extract was then discarded.
● The 5ml of the diluted extract was poured from the graduated cylinder into the tube.
● The graduated cylinder or similar was used to measured 5ml of Mixed Acid Reagent
(V-6278) and was then added to the tube. It was then capped and mixed. Before
proceeding step 10 two minutes was taken up.

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 ● The 0.1g spoon (0699) was used to add two measures of Nitrate Reducing Reagent
(V-6279).
● The tube was held by finger and thumb and was mixed by inverting approximately 60
times a minute foe four minutes.10 minutes was awaited for maximum colour
development.
● Tube was mixed and inserted into chamber, at the end of the 10 minutes waiting
period. The lid was closed and the SCAN SAMPLE was selected. The results was
then multiplied by 100 to determine the nitrate-nitrogen concentration in lb. /acre.
● The power button was pressed to turn off colorimeter.

Results/Observation:

Plots Depth Nitrate % Nitrate lb. / acre

(inches)
A 0-6 1.81 181
6-12
B 0-6 2.33 233
6-12
C 0-6 1.46 146
6-12
D 0-6 1.75 175
6-12

THE TABLE ABOVE SHOWS THE RESULTS FOR THE PERCENTAGE OF NITRATES
AT PLOTS A, B, C, AND D

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Graph No. 3

THE COLUMN GRAPH ABOVE SHOWS NITRATES LB. / ACRES AGAINSTS PLOTS
A, B, C AND D

Discussion:
Field B has the highest nitrate concentration compared to the other fields/plots. It is expected that Plot
A should have the highest nitrate concentration according to research however plot B soil had little
vegetation, the density of vegetation on plots A, C and D affected the concentration of nitrates on
these plots because the crops are absorbing the nitrates on the plot, taking these factors into
consideration can explain Plot B having the highest nitrate concentration.

Conclusion
Field/Plot B has the highest nitrate concentration with plots A and C averaging the same nitrate
concentration and plot C having the lowest nitrate concentration.

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Lab No: 4 (Four)

Date: 2017:12:19

Title: Phosphates

Aim: To investigate the percentage of phosphates in the four location at NAREI.

Reagents/Apparatus:

 (1) 1ml Pipet

 (1) 1gram spoon
 (1)Funnel
 (1) Vial
 (1)Filter paper
 NF Extracting solution
 Deionized water

Procedure:
● 1ml of Special NF extracting solution was added to the test tube by the 1ml pipet then
deionized water was added to the graduation.
● 3 one gram measures of soil was added to the extracting solution using the 1 gram spoon.
● The vial was capped and shaken for a period of 5 minutes.
● The funnel and filter paper was used to filter. All of the filtrates were collected.
● The phosphorus test was performed according to the phosphorus procedure given.

Results/Observation:

Plots Depth Phosphates Phosphates lb./acre

(inches)
A 0-6 0.48 15.36
6-12
B 0-6 0.13 4.16
6-12
C 0-6 0.39 12.48
6-12
D 0-6 0.29 9.28
6-12
THE TABLE ABOVE SHOWS THE RESULTS FOR THE PERCENTAGE OF
PHOSPHATES ON PLOTS A, B, C, AND D

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Graph No. 4

THE BAR GRAPH ABOVE SHOWS PHOSPHATE LB. / ACRE AGAINSTS PLOTS
A, B, C AND D

Discussion:
Discussion: Field A has the highest phosphate level because the primary role in a plant is to store and
transfer energy produced by photosynthesis for use in growth and reproductive processes, hence field
A was densely vegetated than all the plots. Field B has the lowest phosphate level because it is
scarcely vegetation.

Conclusion
Field A has the highest phosphate level and field B has the lowest phosphate level.

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Lab No: 5 (Five)

Date: 2017:12:19

Title: Organic Content

Aim: To investigate the percentage of organic matter in the soil samples extracted from the
four locations at NAREI

Reagents/Apparatus:
 Dual beam balance
 Dropper
 Burette Conical Flask
 Soil sample
 Potassium dichromate
 Concentrated sulphuric acid
 Ferrous sulphate
 Phenolphthalein
 Distilled water

Procedure:
● 1 gram of soil was weighed.
● 10 ml of potassium dichromate was added.
● Then was swirled for 1 minute.
● 20 ml of concentrated sulphuric acid was added.
● Then was swirled for 1 minute.
● Then was allowed to stand for 30 minutes.
● 200 ml of distilled water was added.
● 3 drops of (phenolphthalein) indicator was added.
● 0.5M of ferrous sulphate was titrated until a red colour change.

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Results/Observation:

Plot Depth Organic Carbon Organic Carbon

%
A 0-6 5.59 9.6148
6-12 3.99 6.8628
B 0-6 4.40 7.5680
6-12 5.19 8.9268
C 0-6 4.79 8.2388
6-12 3.19 5.4868
D 0-6 3.99 6.8628
6-12 3.59 6.1748

THE TABLE ABOVE SHOWS THE RESULTS FOR THE ORGANIC MATTER ON
PLOTS A, B, C, AND D

Graph No. 5

12

10

0
Plot/field A Plot/field B Plot/Field C Plot/Field D

(0-6) Inches (6-12) Inches

THE COLUMN GRAPH ABOVE SHOWS ORGANIC CARBON AGAINSTS PLOTS

A, B, C AND D

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Discussion
In field A the top soil (0-6) has a higher organic matter than the lower soil (6-12) this is
because of one factor that affect organic matter of soils is natural vegetation the vegetation
cuaes more organic matter to be present at the top of the soil. Plot A, C & D were more
vegetated than field B therefore having a higher organic matter than field A demonstrated in
the results. Field B has a higher organic matter than at the top soil than lower soil because of
the soil porosity causing more of the organic matter to settle lower into the soil. Filed A had
the highest organic matter in the top soil because it was more vegetated than all of the other
field/ plots.

Conclusion
Field A has the highest organic carbon in the top soil, field C has the lowest organic carbon
in the lower soil.

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Discussion of findings
The soil pH result demonstrated that throughout the soil samples for each of the plots their
pH were of an average of 5.0 NSW Agriculture. The Acid Soil action for ideal pH range for
plant growth is from 5.0 to 8.0. This proves that the soil of the plots is suitable for soil growth
but is on the acidic spectrum for the suitability of soil pH therefore the plot has crops that
will grow in the acidic soil. The crops grown on the plots were crops such as eggplants.
The electrolytic conductivity results demonstrated a variation of EC among the first 6 inches
and the lower 6 inches of the soil. For plot A, the top soil (0-6 inches) has the higher
electrolytic conductivity than the lower soil ( 6-12 inches) . The Resources Conservation
Service states that temperature affects electrolytic conductivity therefore the temperature
increased the speed at which the electrons travel giving the top soil (0-6 inches) the higher
electrolytic conductivity because it is closer to the sun. Thus, the reason for plots' B and C
top soil being lower is because of factors such as the porosity of the soil . Hence, taking into
consideration, the location of Plot B. It is located in a shed, therefore temperature won’t be a
relevant factor to consider, since its electrolytic conductivity is affected. As for plot C, which
is densely vegetated and affected by temperature the top soil has a lower electrolytic
conductivity than the lower soil. Plot D however has a higher EC in the top soil than the
lower soil.
Additionally, it is elicited that the organic carbon results demonstrated that plot A’s top soil
(0-6 inches) has the highest organic carbon, while plot B has a slightly lower organic carbon
in the top soil compared to the lower soil. Since the Africa Geography Blog Stated that
vegetation affects soil organic carbon, it can be said that plot B is poorly vegetated. Therefore
its organic carbon is altered.
However, the results of phosphates stated that plot A has the highest phosphate levels and
plot B has the lowest phosphate level. The United States Department of Agriculture Natural
Resources Conservation Service states that organic matter decomposes to release phosphates.
Hence, plot A is densely vegetated and also has the highest organic carbon and on the other
hand plot B is not very vegetated and also has the lowest organic carbon. Therefore, the
phosphate results are proven accurate.
Finally, the nitrogen results demonstrated that plot B has the highest nitrogen concentration
compared to the other plots. The United States Department of Agriculture Natural Resources
Conservation Service stated that the amount of vegetation on the plot will greatly affect the
nutrient concentration. Therefore, the more vegetated the plot is the more nitrogen will be
consumed. Thus, this explains why plot B has the highest nitrogen concentration.
Additionally, the more vegetation on the plot, the more nitrogen will be added to the soil
when the organic matter decomposes (eg: leaves, flowers, etc).

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Conclusion
In conclusion, for the pH lab, plots A and B has similar pH levels throughout the soil
accounting the first 12 inches of the soil while plot C and D has a large pH difference with
plot D having the largest pH difference between the soils. However, in the electrolytic
conductivity lab plots C and D has an almost similar electrolytic conductivity throughout the
soil. While, both plots B and A have the largest EC difference with plot A having the largest
EC difference in the soil accounting for the first 12 inches of the plots. And in the organic
matter lab all the plots has an almost similar organic matter difference throughout the soil of
each plot accounting for the first 12 inches of the soil in each plot with plot D having the
lowest organic matter and Plot A having the highest organic matter. In the phosphate lab plot
A has the highest phosphate level, while plot B has the lowest phosphate level and plots C
and D phosphate levels being almost similar. Finally, in the nitrates lab Plot B has the highest
phosphate level with plots A and D being having similar nitrate levels and Plot C having the
lowest Nitrates level

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Reference
 http://www.extension.umn.edu/agriculture/nutrient-
management/nitrogen/understanding-nitrogen-in-soils/
 http://www.environment.nsw.gov.au/resources/soils/testmethods/ec.pdf
 www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0003/167187/soil-ph.pdf
 http://www.environment.organic.carbon.content/resouces/soils
 file:///C:/Users/Home/Downloads/nrcs142p2_053136.pdf
 https://www.thespruce.com/importance-or-proper-soil-ph-2131096
 geographymaterials.blogspot.com/2015/08/factors-affecting-soil-organic-matter.html
 www.nrcs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_DOCUMENTS/nrcs142p2_053254.pdf
 http://www.saps.org.uk/saps-associates/browse-q-and-a/631-how-does-excess-
amounts-of-nitrate-affect-the-growth-of-a-plant-and-why-is-this-so
 https://extension.umaine.edu/gardening/manual/soils/interpretting-soil-tests/
 www.nrcs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_DOCUMENTS/nrcs142p2_053274.pdf

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