Yr 10 Soils Test Checklist PDF
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This document is a checklist for a Year 10 soil science test. It covers topics like soil properties, pH, texture, salinity, organic matter, and various other soil-related processes. It also delves into the roles of microorganisms and explores topics such as soil and climate change and innovations in soil science.
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Yr 10 Test Soils Test Checklist =============================== 1. Soil Properties ------------------ -Physical Properties:\ - Soil structure and its role in porosity and permeability.\ - Texture: relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay.\ - Chemical Properties:\ - Soil pH and its influence on...
Yr 10 Test Soils Test Checklist =============================== 1. Soil Properties ------------------ -Physical Properties:\ - Soil structure and its role in porosity and permeability.\ - Texture: relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay.\ - Chemical Properties:\ - Soil pH and its influence on nutrient availability.\ - Cation exchange capacity (CEC) and its importance in nutrient retention.\ - Organic matter content and its contribution to fertility. 2. Soil pH ---------- \- Define soil pH and the scale used to measure it.\ - Testing soil pH:\ - Using test kits.\ - Implications of extreme pH levels on plant nutrient uptake. 3. Soil Texture --------------- \- Understand soil texture classes using the texture triangle.\ - Conduct and interpret a ribbon test. (Manipulating soil samples in your hands)\ - Water retention and drainage characteristics of sandy vs. clayey soils. 4. Soil Salinity ---------------- \- Causes of salinity (e.g., over-irrigation, poor drainage).\ - Measurement methods (e.g., electrical conductivity tests).\ - Impact of salinity on water uptake, ion balance, and plant growth. 5. Organic Matter ----------------- \- Importance of organic matter in:\ - Improving soil structure.\ - Enhancing water retention.\ - Supporting microbial activity.\ - Methods to determine organic matter (e.g., visual assessment, loss-on-ignition). 6. Cation Exchange Capacity (CEC) --------------------------------- \- Definition and significance in soil fertility.\ - How CEC affects nutrient availability and retention.\ - Practical methods to measure and improve CEC. 7. Soil Erosion and Conservation -------------------------------- \- Factors contributing to erosion (e.g., wind, water, poor land management).\ - Strategies for conservation (e.g., cover crops, no-till farming).\ - Long-term impacts on topsoil health and downstream ecosystems. 9. Role of Microorganisms ------------------------- \- Decomposition and nutrient recycling.\ - Indicators of soil health. 10. Soil and Climate Change --------------------------- \- Carbon sequestration in soils.\ - Sustainable soil management practices to mitigate greenhouse gas emissions. 11. Innovations in Soil Science ------------------------------- \- Advances like regenerative agriculture and precision agriculture. 12. Nitrogen Cycle ------------------ \- Biological nitrogen fixation and role of legumes.\ - Conversion of atmospheric nitrogen into usable forms:\ - Ammonium (NH₄⁺)\ - Nitrate (NO₃⁻)\ - Denitrification and leaching losses.\ - Impacts on plant growth and soil health. 13. Field and Laboratory Testing -------------------------------- \- pH testing using digital kits and probes.\ - Texture analysis using texture triangles.\ - Organic matter estimation (burning or visual assessment).\ - Water Holding Capacity
