Part One
You will need to collect three soil samples for this activity. Each soil sample that you collect should fit in a quart-sized jar. These samples should be taken from the following characteristic locations:
Sample One - The Hill Sample Take from the side of a hill, the greater the degree of slope, the better.
Sample Two - The Yard Sample Take from a level surface, such as your backyard.
Sample Three - The River Sample Take from the side of a creek or river.
For all of these locations, you need to note the amount of slope and the type of vegetation that is found there.
These samples need to come from locations that are not near one another. A distance of a quarter mile or more between them would be best, as distances closer than this might lead to samples that do not vary that greatly. Of course, this requirement means that you will not be able to get all of the soil samples from property that you own. This means that you will need to show some prudence in picking locations from which to draw your samples.
Part Two
Now that you have your soil samples, you are ready to determine the type of soil that you have from its texture. Use the Soil Texture By Feel Flowchart document to determine what type of soil that you have. Use this information to fill in the table on the Soil Composition activity sheet. Once you have filled in the table, answer the questions underneath it. When you have finished, double-check that your Soil Composition activity sheet is complete,.