Laboratory Activity 1: Observing Soil Variability in a Small Area

Objective

To observe differences in soil properties within a small area and understand why soil
mapping units may not always be homogeneous.

Materials Needed
 3 small containers or plastic bags for collecting soil samples
 Soil pH testing kit (strips or digital meter)
 Water spray bottle
 Field notebook or worksheet

Procedure
1. Collect Samples: Gather soil samples from three nearby locations within a 5-meter
radius (e.g., garden, park, or schoolyard). Label the containers as A, B, and C.
2. Test Soil pH: Add a small amount of each soil sample to separate cups, mix with
distilled water, and test the pH using the kit. Record the pH values.
3. Observe Soil Texture: Rub a small amount of moist soil from each sample between
your fingers and note the texture (e.g., sandy, clayey, or loamy).
4. Discussion: Compare the results and discuss the variability between the samples, even
within a small area.

Conclusion Questions
 Did the soil samples have the same pH and texture?
 How does this variability affect the accuracy of soil maps?
 Why might it be difficult to map soil boundaries precisely?
 Laboratory Activity 1 Worksheet: Observing Soil Variability in a Small Area

Name:_______________________________________________________________________
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A. Write down the gathered information in the table below.

Sample Location and its Characteristics Texture pH value

Discussion and Analysis

 1. Compare your observations:
a. Were there differences in pH values among the samples?
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b. Were there differences in soil texture?

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2. What factors might contribute to the variability in soil properties within a small area?
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3. Discuss how this variability might affect the accuracy of soil maps.
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4. Why might it be difficult to map soil boundaries precisely?

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Conclusion
Answer the following questions based on your findings:
1. Did the soil samples have the same pH and texture? Is it suitable for crop production?
Explain.
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2. What have you learned about soil variability and its implications for soil mapping?
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Laboratory Activity 2: Land Use Suitability Test

Objective

To explore how soil properties influence suitability for specific land uses, even in a
simplified context.

Materials Needed
 Soil samples (2 different types, e.g., sandy soil and clay soil)
 Small pots or cups
 4 bean seeds
 Water
 Field notebook

Procedure
1. Prepare the Samples: Fill two pots with 3 kg of sandy soil and two with 3 kg of clayey
soil.
2. Plant Seeds: Place one bean seed in each pot. Label the pots (e.g., Sandy 1, Sandy 2,
Clay 1, Clay 2).
3. Water and Monitor: Water the pots equally every day and observe the growth of the
plants for 5 weeks.
4. Record Observations: Measure plant height weekly and note any differences in growth
between sandy and clay soils.

Conclusion Questions
 Which soil type showed better growth for the beans?
 What might make one soil type more suitable for certain crops?
 How does this simple test show the importance of understanding soil properties for land
use planning?

Laboratory Activity 2 Worksheet: Land Use Suitability Test

Name:_______________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________
Date:___________________________
Class/Section: ___________________

A. Daily Growth Monitoring

Measure the height of the plants daily and record in the table below.
Week Sandy 1 Sandy 2 Clayey 1 Clayey 2
Height (cm) Height (cm) Height (cm) Height (cm)
1
2
3
4
5

Discussion and Analysis

1. Compare the growth of the plants:
o Which soil type showed better growth overall?
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Were there any noticeable differences in the appearance of the plants

o
between soil types?
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2. What factors in each soil type might have influenced the growth of the plants?
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3. Based on your observations, which soil type would you recommend for crops like
beans? Why?
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Conclusion
Answer the following questions based on your findings:
1. Which soil type showed better growth for the beans?
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2. What might make one soil type more suitable for certain crops?
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3. How does this simple test demonstrate the importance of understanding soil
properties for land use planning?
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