Physical and Chemical Properties of Soil—Student Laboratory Kit

Product Details

Healthy soil provides structure and nutrients for plant growth and is a vital component of the hydrologic (water) cycle. Explore how the physical and chemical properties of soil impact soil quality with this two-part investigation. First students determine soil texture—the relative amounts of sand, silt and clay—by measuring the amount of each that settles out of a soil “solution” after definite time intervals. The texture of soil influence how coarse or fine the soil is, its porosity and permeability and the capacity to bind and store nutrients. Then students analyze the chemical properties of soil by measuring the pH and testing for the presence of essential macronutrients, nitrate and phosphate ions. The nutrient levels are evaluated for soil fertility and their environmental impact on surface or groundwater contamination. Great for understanding why soil is an essential natural resource! Includes reproducible student handouts, detailed background information, complete Teacher Notes with sample data and answers to all questions and all chemicals and consumable supplies needed to perform the lab.  

Complete for 30 students working in pairs.