0
The best way to determine the organic content of a soil sample is the following:
1. First weigh the lab vessel that you will be putting your sample in and write it down.
2. Scoop in 5 g of the sample into the vessel then weigh it again.
3. Subtract the weight of the vessel by the weight you got in #2. This is your starting weight.
4. After adjusting the muffler furnace to 360 C, put the soil sample you have measured out that is in the lab container in the furnace for two hours.
5. After two hours, put on heat resistant gloves and take out the sample to allow it to cool. It will be very hot, much too hot to handle at the moment.
6. When it is cool, weigh the sample again, and just like in #3, subtract the weight of the vessel to this sample weight and you will get the weight of the sample without the weight of the organic matter.
7. Now divide the weight of the of the soil without the organic matter by the starting weight (which should be 5 g), then multiply by 100. This will give you the amount of soil in the sample. Now subtract by 100 from this amount and you will get the amount of organic matter in the soil.
For example,
If the end weight is 4.7g, then 4.7/5.0 = 0.94, which means that 0.94 x 100= 94%. Therefore, 100-94 = 6% of the soil sample is composed of organic matter.
The organic content of a soil sample can be determined by measuring the amount of carbon present in the sample using methods like Walkley-Black or loss on ignition. These methods involve burning off the organic matter and measuring the resulting carbon dioxide or ash content to calculate the organic content of the soil.
Add your answer:
Earn +20 pts
A saturated soil sample has a mass of 1.38kg and a volume of 0.6 liters. After dried in a oven for 24 hours the mass of th soil sample is 1.13kg. calculate mass of water?
Initial water content in the soil sample can be calculated using the initial mass and final mass after drying. Initial water content = (Initial mass - Final mass) = 1.38 kg - 1.13 kg = 0.25 kg. This is the mass of water in the soil sample.
What is the weight of a unit of soil?
The weight of a unit of soil, also known as bulk density, can vary depending on factors like soil type, moisture content, and organic matter content. On average, soil bulk density can range from 1.0 to 1.6 grams per cubic centimeter.
What is organic matter?
Usually carbon-based substances derived from living things. Examples include everything we grow and eat, wood, dung and the humus content of soil. Organic matter can be added to soil to make it more fertile, eg dung or compost.
Is soil a homogeneous mixture?
No, soil is not a homogeneous mixture. It is a heterogeneous mixture composed of various components such as minerals, organic matter, water, and air, which are not evenly distributed throughout.
What soil has a marked capacity to retain water?
Clay soil has a high capacity to retain water due to its small particle size and high organic matter content. This type of soil has poor drainage but is beneficial for plants that require consistent moisture.
How would this soil sample be described?
To describe a soil sample, one would typically analyze its texture, color, pH level, organic matter content, and nutrient composition. This information can help determine the suitability of the soil for various purposes such as gardening or farming.
Which aspect of soil characteristics is a Munsell chart used for?
A Munsell chart is used to determine the color of soil, which is an important aspect of soil characteristics. It helps in identifying soil types, organic matter content, and potential fertility based on the color of the soil sample.
Why do you do a soil sample and analysis?
A soil sample and analysis helps to determine the nutrient levels, pH, organic matter content, and texture of the soil. This information is vital for making informed decisions on fertilizer applications, soil amendments, and crop selection, leading to improved plant growth, higher yields, and cost savings.
A soil sample contains living and nonliving materialswhich material was once living?
The material in the soil sample that was once living includes dead plants, animals, and microorganisms. These organic materials decompose over time, contributing to the nutrient content of the soil.
How to calculate percent of air content of soil sample?
To calculate the percent of air content in a soil sample, you need to determine the volume of air in the soil and divide it by the total volume of the sample. This can be done by measuring the bulk density of the soil and the particle density, then subtracting the particle density from the bulk density to get the volume of air. Finally, divide the volume of air by the total volume and multiply by 100 to get the percentage.
Why does the soil of antarctica have little organic content?
It's too cold for organic content to survive in Antarctica.
What does soil consist of and what factors determine its fertility?
Soil consists of a mixture of minerals, organic matter, water, air, and living organisms. Factors that determine soil fertility include the soil's pH, nutrient levels, organic matter content, microbial activity, and texture. These factors influence the soil's ability to support plant growth and productivity.
What soil factors help determine the type of vegetation that can be supported in a region?
Soil factors that help determine the type of vegetation in a region include soil pH, texture (sand, silt, clay), nutrient content, drainage, and organic matter content. These factors influence the availability of water, nutrients, and oxygen to plants, which in turn affects their growth and distribution in a particular area.
What 6 factors determine a soil composition?
Mineral content: soil composition is influenced by the amount and type of minerals present in the soil. Organic matter: the amount of organic material in the soil affects its composition and fertility. Soil texture: the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay particles in the soil determine its texture. pH levels: the acidity or alkalinity of the soil, as measured by pH levels, plays a role in determining soil composition. Soil structure: the arrangement of soil particles into aggregates impacts soil composition and properties. Water content: the amount of water present in the soil affects its composition and various soil processes.
The use of organic manure vs the effects on the soil?
increases the soil humus content soil microbs helps in soil maintenance
Which is more likely to contain organic compounds?
A soil sample is more likely to contain organic compounds compared to a rock sample. Organic compounds are often derived from plant and animal matter, which can decompose in soil, while rocks are typically composed of inorganic minerals.
Why top soil has high organic matter than subsoil?
Topsoil has higher organic matter content than subsoil because it is constantly receiving organic inputs from decomposing plants, roots, and organisms at the surface. These organic materials break down and add nutrients to the soil, increasing organic matter content. In contrast, subsoil layers are less exposed to these organic inputs and therefore have lower organic matter content.
