Soil Lab
Objective: To test the physical and chemical characteristic of soil and how soil is
formed.
DAY 1:
Materials:
Soil Type: Soil Texture Pyramid
Procedure:
1. Fill the graduated cylinder with 25 ml (first line) of your soil sample.
2. Add 55 ml of water to the graduated cylinder. (second line)
3. Cover the graduated cylinder with your hand and invert several times until the soil is
thoroughly mixed.
4. Place the cylinder on the table and let it settle overnight.
5. See Directions on Day 2
Chemical Weathering (setup day 1)
1. Measure 10g of granite. Using paper towel dab the excess water from the
rocks. REMASS the dry rocks, record as the “initial mass” in the Chemical
Weathering table below. Repeat for basalt and marble.
2. Using a hand lens Inspect each group of rocks. Note surface texture, edges,
and appearance.
3. Place each rocks samples in glass containers and add enough vinegar to cover
the rocks. OBSERVE any reaction of the rocks with the vinegar.
4. Cover the container, LABEL with your names and period number and place in a
safe place to sit overnight.
DAY 1 Continued
SOIL LAB DAY 2
DAY 2 Soil Type: Soil Texture Pyramid
1. Once the soil has settled, there should be three distinct layers. Measure the volume
of each layer and the total volume of the sample. Record in data table.
2. Calculate the percentage of each layer and enter your results in the chart that
follows. (Do this calculation 3 times—once for each layer.)
Volume of layer 1,
Total amount of soil minerals
x 100% = % of sand, silt, or clay
7. Use the provided Soil Texture Pyramid to identify the type of soil in your sample.
Soil Texture by Feel
1. Now that you have determined the type of soil samples that you have, follow the
instructions in the Soil Texture By Feel flow chart provided by your teacher.
2. Fill out the Soil Texture by Feel Chart with the results of the soil texture by feel
test. Did you get the same answers?
SOIL LAB DAY 2
Soil Lab
Objective: To test the physical and chemical characteristic of soil and how soil is
formed.
Procedure: See lab handouts
Materials: See lab handouts
Results:
Table 1: Soil Type – Soil Texture Pyramid
Soil Sample # ________
Soil Component
Percent of Sample
Soil Identification Using
Soil Texture Pyramid
Sand
Silt
Clay
Observations: _____________________________________________________________________________________
Table 2a: Chemical Weathering
Rock Type
Initial Mass
Final Mass
Granite
Basalt
Marble
Observations: _____________________________________________________________________________________
Table 2b: Chemical Weathering Percent Change
Rock Type
Granite
Basalt
Marble
% Change
Table 3a: Mechanical Weathering
Rock Type
Initial Mass
Mass, 3 min
Mass, 6 min
Mass, 9 min
Granite
Basalt
Marble
Observations: _____________________________________________________________________________________
Table 3b: Mechanical Weathering Percent Change
Rock Type
% Change
Granite
Basalt
Marble
Table 4: Soil Texture by Feel
Soil sample
Soil Profile
Soil texture by feel
analysis
Table 5: Soil Organization/Profiles
Observations of water movement
Desert
Prairie
Temperate Rainforest
Discussion Questions: (include as part of Discussion, don’t forget other discussion components)
1. Describe the differences between mechanical an chemical weathering of rocks.
2. What is the relationship between soil consistency and water?
3. Which of the three ecosystems’ soil did the nutrients (colored water) pass through
most rapidly? Explain why it did.
Remember to follow the lab guidelines and write a conclusion!