SOIL SAMPLES – WORKSHEET
Resources
Three sets of soil samples. Each set:
 In jar
 In plastic bag
 Mixed with water, shaken and allowed to settle for 24 hours.
Three moisture meters.
Three pH meters.
Activities: For each set of samples;
1. pH Value – Stick the pH meter into the soil sample in the jar for 10
seconds, read the meter and record the results.
2. Moisture – Stick the moisture meter into the soil sample in the jar for
10 seconds, read the meter and record the results.
3. Texture – Using the soil/water mixture estimate the percentages of
sand, silt and clay, use these figures on the ‘Texture Grid’ to
determine texture.
4. Structure – Examine the sample of soil in the bag and use the
illustrations to determine the soil structure.
Use the results from tasks 1-4 to complete the table
5. Percolation – Too Fast, Good, Poor (too slow)
6. Water retention – Poor, Good, Water Logging
7. Root Penetration – Good, Poor
Task
1
2
Sample Number
pH Value
Moisture
3
Texture
4
Structure
5
6
7
Percolation
Water Retention
Root Penetration
1
Sand
Silt
Clay
2
%
%
%
Sand
Silt
Clay
3
%
%
%
Sand
Silt
Clay
%
%
%