Soil

=**6th Period**=


 * Soil Type (Weston)**

The soil in the Blackland Prairies is a special mixture of soil and mineral deposits that distinguishes the blackland ecosystem from other prairie and woodland types and supports its diverse array of plant and animal species. Simply put, the soil is what makes the Blackland Prairie different from other praries. Described as "black velvet" when freshly plowed and moistened from a good rain, true blackland soils are deep, dark, calcareous deposits renowned for their high productivity. Scientists believe the richness of the prairie soils is derived from the abundant invertebrate fauna and fungal flora found in the soils themselves.

The region is underlain by Upper Cretaceous marine chalks, limestone, and shale which give rise to the development of the characteristic black, heavy clay soils; along major rivers and tributaries a slightly more sandy soil.


 * What are the benefits of conducting soil tests over time? (Shaan)**

BENEFITS OF SOIL TESTING • Take advantage of nutrients already in the soil. • Identify nutrients that are lacking in the soil. • Reduce fertilizer applications by applying only what is needed. • Provide a proper balance of plant nutrients. • Adjust soil pH to an optimum level. • Reduce chances of excess nutrients getting into water sources.

**How to conduct a soil test (Dev):** First you need to loosen the soil with a trowel, spoon, or dull knife to loosen the soil. Next you need to collect the soil from the desired length. (This is done by placing the soil tube the desired depth in the soil. Leave about 1 inch of the tube above the soil) Collect Several samples from a single place and mix them together to get an “average” sample Spread the soil out on a sheet of plastic wrap allowing it to dry overnight. Weed out any large leaves stones or sticks and crush lumps. It should be able to pass through a screen. **Make sure to follow the instructions in the kit** **Phosphorus:** Use the pipet to transfer 25 drops of the clear solution above the soil to a square test tube. Fill the tube to shoulder with distilled water. Add Phosphorus Tablet. Cap and mix until the tablet disintegrates. Wait 5 minutes for color to develop. Compare the blue color to the Phosphorus Color Chart. **Potassium:** Use the pipet to transfer the clear solution above the soil to a square test tube until it is filled to the shoulder. Add one Potassium Tablet. Cap and mix until the tablet disintegrates. Compare cloudiness to the Potassium Color chart.

=**7th Period**= <span style="color: black; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Blackland Prairie’s soil is a mixture of soil and mineral deposits. An important fact to note is <span style="font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">that it is unique from other prairies. <span style="font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Because of the soil, which is categorized as deep calcareous desposits, this region is ideally suited to crop agriculture. This has led to most of the Blackland Prairie ecosystem being converted to crop production, leaving less than one percent remaining .Scientists believe the richness of the prairie soils is derived from the abundant invertebrate animals and fungal flora found in the soils themselves.
 * <span style="color: black; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Soil type (composition): Alex **

Ahmed By taking multiple samples over time is extremely importatn because the amount of rainfall throughout the year varies greatly and so this affects the amount of nutrients in the soil.Soil components vary during the year, so sample timing affects results. Usually the best time when soil tests can be done is spring.Soil characteristics can vary significantly from one spot to another, even in a small garden or field. Taking samples everywhere in the field is crucial to get the most accurate measurement of nutrients and other organisms. An example of this is along gravel roads where the soil could have more lime from the dust from the roads settling down in the soil, or an old animal feedlot where phosphorus and nitrogen counts could be higher than the rest of the field.Soil testing is Important because it allows us to identify what nutrients are currently in abundance in the soil and what nutrients are lacking. After we have learned taht then it is possible to add fertilizer for the needed nutrient and so there is a proper balance of nutrients as well as not having an excess of some specific nutrients.
 * Nutrient content**-The Blacklands Prairie has a very nutrient rich soil however soil testing must be done to learn what types of different nutrient are contained.When receiving a proper amount of rain have a deep, dark color.
 * What are the benefits of conducting soil tests over time?**

- Loosen the soil with a trowel, spoon, or dull knife
 * <span style="color: black; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">How to conduct a soil test: Alex **

-Collect the soil from the desired length.

-Collect several samples from a single place and mix them together

-Calculate the average of the samples

-Spread the soil out on a sheet of plastic wrap allowing it to dry overnight.

-Remove any large leaves stones or sticks and crush lumps.