Activity – Components of soil versus compost Supplies
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2 glasses or clear plastic jars with lids Water Small shovel or other tool to dig up your soil and compost samples Compost and “regular soil” from the ground
Instructions 1. Pour a hefty scoop of soil into one clear plastic jar and a hefty scoop of compost into the other jar. 2. Fill the jars with water. Put the lids on and shake well. Let both jars sit. 3. Check the jar every several hours and then over the next few days. 4. Record your observations and the relative amounts of material settling, remaining suspended in the water, and floating.
Observations Soil:
Compost:
Interpretation The many kinds of soil particles swirl in the water when you shake the jars. They eventually settle according to their size and weight.
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Larger, heavier particles settle first (pebbles and sand).
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Smaller, lighter particles settle last (fine silt).
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Clay particles and small organic materials will not settle, and this causes the water to remain cloudy.
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Sticks and bits of leaf matter float.
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