NATS1840 Tutorial #6

Intensive Agriculture Soil Quality

Monday, 30 January, 12

Modern farming practice which use large inputs of fertilizers, irrigation water and fossil fuels is known as Intensive farming. http:/ / www.dailymotion.com/ video/xfkxd4_impactof-intensive-farming-inrural-areas-inportugal_tech Impacts soil fertility signicantly.
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Introduction

The Lab
Obtain two dry soil samples (A and B). Divide sample A into two roughly equal parts. Put one half of sample A in a transparent and sealable container. Fill the container with twice as much water as there is soil. Seal the container and shake it strongly for at least one minute. Allow solids in the container to settle for at least one hour. Examine the soil that has settled and record your observations. Examine any soil prole that has formed, measure the thickness of each layer using a ruler. Observe the colour, relative size grains, and each layer thickness.

Monday, 30 January, 12

Sandwich bags Coffee lters Elastic Bands

What You Will Need

Small Plastic Spoon pH paper strips Plastic Pipette Test tubes Nitrate test tablets Phosphorus test tablets. Two sample of dry soil Containers with lids Measuring cup Ruler 2 litres of tap water
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Water Holding Capacity

C = (W1 W2)/W1 Where.... W1 = known amount of water W2 = the amount of water that isnt absorbed by the soil C = the amount of water held by the soil Leachate is the water that has passed through the soil. Keep this water for the next experiment. Wait 24 hours after you have wet the soil before measuring its C. Cover the soil sample and store it in a cool dark place during this time to minimize the evaporation. Call this Leachate A.

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Acidity, Nutrients, and Leaching

Using both Leachate (A&B), test the following hypothesis: Passage through soil can change the pH of water. Is it true that water can leach nutrients out of soil? To do that check this hypothesis. Water leaches nutrients from soil. Using the nitrate and phosphate tablets to conduct two controlled experiments to see if there is any difference in nutrient content.

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Things To Think About

Location of your soil sample. Avoid taking sample from side of the road where salt concentration may be high Carefully measure the amount of water used for (C) Be careful when pouring water through the soil? Be consistent when measuring.

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The Report
Follow the instructions in Pages 74-78 of your manual. Read carefully the instructions of how to use the testing tablets. Your activity report is due at the beginning of the next tutorial.

Monday, 30 January, 12