Electrical Conductivity Test Soil samples for the electrical conductivity (EC) test are taken from the 0- to 3-inch depth. Bulked soil samples from across the field can be collected, and two subsamples can be taken for analysis (See Chapter 1, Sampling Guidelines). Electrical conductivity, pH, and soit nitrate are all measured from the same sofl subsample. Materials needed (o measure electrical conductivity (EC): © US-eup (30 mL) measuring seoop Did You Know? + 120-mL plastie containers with Tid Excess salts in soil can be a © EC pocket meter (blue with black exp) detriment to plant health. Salts ° boitie can also hamper water move- 2 calibration solution (0.01 M KC ‘ment into the soil and increase * distilled water the occurrence of surface com- paction, © _ Extract Subsample — ‘The soil sample should be thoroughly mixed before taking a subsample, Measure a 1/8-cup level scoop subsample of soil and place it in the plastic container. If soil nitrates will be measured on this subsample (Chapter 7), weigh the subsample for a more accurate estimate of soil nitrates. Enter the subsample weight on the Soil Data worksheet. @® Aaa water to Subsample and Mix Calibration Tip: Make sure the EC meter is calibrated before Wg isive sen ‘A See Appendix C for cali- bration instructions. © Add 1/8-cup (30 mL) of distilled water to the container with the subsample. The resulting soil/water mixture equates to a 1:1 soil to water ratio on a volume basis. © Put the lid on the container and shake vigorously about 25 times. ® Measure and Record EC (See Calibration Tip) + Open the container and insert the EC pocket meter into the soil-water mixture. Take the reading while the soil particles are still suspended in solution. To keep the soil particles from settling, stir gently with the EC pocket meter. Do not immerse the meter above the immersion level (See Appendix C, Figure 1c). Allow the reading to stabilize (stays the same for about 1@ seconds). + Enter the EC reading on the Soil Data worksheet in decisiemens per meter (dS/m). ‘The DiST WP 4 meter gives readings directly in dS/m, For the Microsensor 4 meter, divide the reading by 10, and for the Microsensor 3 meter, divide the reading by 100 to get readings in dS/m. © Save the soil-water mixture for the pH measurement (Chapter 6). ® turn the meter off. Thoroughly rinse meter with distilled water and replace cap,Soil pH Test Use the same soil-water mixture prepared in the EC test to conduct the pH Test. If you are start- Ing with a fresh soil sample, read the introduction and follow Steps 1-3 in the EC Test Chapter on preparing the sample. Materials »: Absorption >» Adsorbed > Cation exchange capacity » Cations > Diffusion Lesson: Conducting Soll Tests Page 2 wwwAYeacrt.com Copwight © by CAERT, ne. | Repoivetion by subscription ony. | L08028> Fertile soil Fertility fons Macronutrients Micronutrients Nutrients Organic matter, Respiration Soil fertility Stomata yrvyvyyyyy Interest Approach, Use an interest approach that will prepare the students for the lesson. Teachers often develop approaches for their unique class and student situations. A possi- ble approach is included here. Ask the students about ‘esting. Why do they take tests? Answers should be to find out what knowledge that they contain. What do they know about soil and plant growth? How can you find out what nutrients the soil contains? fertilizer do they apply to get optimum growth of our vegetable plants? Is there a | Ask the class if they have ever grown any vegetable crops at their home. How much | way to determine this? How? Show the class pictures of various vegetables andlor plants that did not receive any fertilizer and some that did. What is the difference in some of these vegetables? ture. Ask the students which soil sample will produce the best crops. How can you Collect different soil samples that have differences and similarities in color and tex- tell which one is best? SUMMARY OF CONTENT AND TEACHING STRATEGIES Objective Define fertile soil. Anticipated Problem: What is a fertile soil? L There are many classifications of soil. These classifications can be based on texture, struc ture, or color. One way to classify soil is by its productivity. A person cannot identify afertile soil without a soil test. A fertile soil is one that provides the necessary nutrients for healthy plant growth. A. Fertility is a measure of the plant-available nutrients in the soil. These nutrients make uupa small percentage of the total nutrients in the soil. Lesson: Conducting Soll Tests Page 3 www.lYesert.com Copyright © by CAERT, Ie. | Reproduction by subserion ony. | LOBDOIS,B. Soil fertility is the estimate of a soil’s nutrient supplying ability. C. Nutrients are present in the soil in four forms 1. Soil minerals 2. Organic matter 3. Adsorbed nutrients. 4. Dissolved ions D. Notall nutrients in the soil are actually available for uptake by the root system. Use a variety of techniques to help the students understand the concept of a fertile soil. Use the last interest approach to begin discussion about classifying soil. Then direct the discussion towards which soil is better. What is the purpose of the soil? Chapter 8 in Physical Science Applications in Agriculture is a recommended reading ‘material. Create a worksheet to highlight important concepts from this chapter. Use TM-A to show the 4 forms of nutrients in the soil [e) Sy [ets o\=ie-Hy Identify the essential nutrients for plant growth, Anticipated Problem: Which elements must be present for plants to grow? IL. Justlike people, plants require certain elements and mineralsin order to grow. Nutrients are substances that are essential for growth and production. There are 16 nutrients that are required by growing plants. ‘A. Some of these nutrients are supplied to the plant from the air while others are found in the soil. 1. Three nutrients are obtained from the air and water vapor by way of stomata Stomata are tiny pores on the underside of plant leaves that aid the plant in nutrient uptake and cooling processes. Carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen are these nutrients supplied by air and water. 2. Thirteen nutrients are generally supplied by the soil in which the plant is growing, Nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, calcium, sulfur, magnesium, boron, copper, chlorine, iron, manganese, molybdenum, and zinc are generally supplied by the soil Plants absorb these nutrients using roots to pull in nutrients that have been dis-~ solved in water. B. Mnemonics (pronounced ni-mon-iks) is the art of improving the memory using a for- mula. A mnemonic formula has been developed to aid in recallingall sixteen elements: C. B. HOPKINS Cae Mighty good Closed Monday Mornings See You Zen. Carbon (C), Boron (B), Hydrogen (H), Oxygea (O), Phosphorus (P), Potassium (K), Nitrogen (N), Sulfur (S), Calcium (Ca), Iron (Fe), Magnesium (Mg), Chlorine (Cl), Manganese (mn), Molybdenum (Mo), Copper (Cu), Zinc (Zn). ‘Lesson: Conducting Soil Tasts Page 4 @ www.MYeaert.com Copyrene © by CAERT, Io, | Repraction by subscription any | LOB0O18Use a variety of techniques to help students memorize the 16 nutrients required for plant growth, Chapter 8 in Physical Science Applications in Agriculture is a recom- ‘mended reading material. Profitable Soil Management can be used by the teacher as a reference for nutrients. Use TM-B to show the mnemonic that will help students memorize the 16 nutrients needed for plant growth, fe) Fira Ch T-JEH) Distinguish between micronutrients and macronutrients. Anticipated Problem: How are plant nutrients classified? II. Plant nutrients are classified into thee categories, A. Macronutrients are clements that are needed in large quantities by plants, Nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium are the three primaty macronutrients. These nutrients are usually the main components of fertilizers. B. Secondary macronutrients are elements supplied by most soils and are usually not added to the soil in fertiizer. Calcium, magnesium, and sulfur are secondary macronutrients. Micronutrients arc nceded by plants in small quantities. These nutrients are sometimes called trace elements. The remaining 7 nutrients are classified as micronutrients, Use a variety of techniques to help the students classify the 13 nutrients supplied by the soil. Chapter 8 in Physical Science Applications in Agriculture is a recommended reading material. Profitable Soil Management can be used by the teacher as a refer- ence for nutrients. Use TM-C to show the classifications of nutrients. Ce) e) [Ta fhe SN Explain how nutrients are exchanged in the soil, Anticipated Problem: How are nutrients exchanged in the soil? IV, Soils are negatively charged based on the amountand type of clay in the soil and the amount of organic matter. Organic matter is matter that comes from plant and animal remains. The amount of the negative charge in the soil is called the Cation Exchange Capacity, Nutrients are ious. Tons are electrically charged atoms of group of atoms. Cations are positively charged atoms. Opposite charged ions are attracted to each other while like ions repel one another. Soil then exchanges positively charged nutrients with negatively charged ions A. The ions exchanged with the soil particles can be adsorbed, the adhesion of molecules to the surface of solids, with the root surfaces. B. Ions transferred by the plant to the soil are produced by respiration. Respiration is the physical and chemical processes by organisms that supply oxygen and relieve them of carbon dioxide. Lesson: Conducting Soll Tests Pago 5 @ wwwA¥eaert.com Conyight © by CAERT, nc. | Roproducton by subscripton any. | LO80038C. Nutrients also enter the plant roots by absorption and diffirsion. Absorption is the intake of matter by some substatice. Diffusion is the process where nutrients intermingle from a region of higher to ont of lower concentration. Use a variety of techniques to help the students understand how nutrients are attached to soil particles and then freed from the particles to be available to the roots. A set of magnets would demonstrate how like charged particles repel each other while opposites are attracted. Chapter 8 in Physical Science Applications in Agriculture is a recommended reading material. Soil Science and Management can ‘be used by the teacher as a reference for cation exchange capacity. Objective 5: (eyecronecatn Anticipated Problem: How do I collect soil to be tested? V. You have a large pottion of land that contains a lot of soil. Nor all of that soil can be sent to the lab to be tested. Your task must be to get the best representative of the soil so the test will reflect the whole soils fertility. A. There are four reasons to take soil samples. 1. Tomake more efficient use of resources. 2. To maintain high fertility levels in your resources. 3. To avoid applying wrong nutrients to your resources, 4. Your fertilizer program is matched to your yield. B._ Soil should be tested every 4 to 6 years. The sampling should take place before any tll- age or soil treatments are completed. C. Onlya small amount of soil is tested, so you wanta good sample to be tested. Acompos- ‘te sample will accomplish this sample. D. To sample your soil you will need materials to complete the task. Materials you will need ate: 1. small sacks to place soil samples in 2. a bucket to mix the samples 3. aprobe, auger, or spade to dig the sample 4, abox to carry the samples Use 2 variety of techniques to help the students understand how to collect soil sam- ples. Chapter 8 in Physical Science Applications in Agriculture is a recommended reading material. Profitable Soll Management can be used by the teacher as a refer- ‘ence. TM-D is a listing of materials used to collect the soil samples. Lesson: Conducting Soil Tests Page 6 @ www.sYesert.com ‘opie © by CAERT re. | Reproduction by subscription ony, | L080018Objective Conduct a soil test. Anticipated Problem: How do I conduct a soil test? VL. Soil is commonly tested for the 3 macronutrients and the pH level. Some soil test kits and soil laboratories test for several micronutrients. A. Soil is tested for its pH level. A lot of soil fertility is based on the level of the pH level. B. Macronutrients tested for are nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. C. Micronutrients commonly tested for include magnesium, calcium, sulfur, aluminum, iron, and manganese. dents use the samples collected from LS-A, test the soil, and send one sample to a Purchase a soil test kit. LaMotte Company has several good test kits. Have the stu- testing laboratory. This will allow for comparison. Review/Summary. Use the student learning objectives to summarize and review this, lesson. Students should be able to indicate which concepts are presented with each objective. Use student responses to indicate which concepts need further instruction. The sample test may also serve as a review vehicle. Application. Use the transparency masters, lab sheets, and technical supplement included with this lesson plan to apply the information. Evaluation. This should focus on the level at which the student understands the basic concepts presented based on the objectives. Evaluation should include the students’ expressed understanding during class discussion, performance of lab activities, and the sample test. Answers to Sample Test: Part One: Matching Lf BO owe Lesson: Conducting Soll Tests, Page 7 winw.Niveaert.com Copyright © by CAERT, ne. | Repreduction by subsobdon ony. | LO80018ld 12. b 1B. m 14 e 15. a Part Two: 1. 16 air, soil 4,6 tillage small macronutrients, pH. soil test NouaeN Part Three: Multiple Choice La eae Vaen co gracaes Part Four: Short Answer 1. To make efficient use of resources, to maintain high fertility levels in your fields, to avoid applying wrong nuctients to your fields, and your fertilizer program is matched to your yield 2. Assmall sack to place the soil samples in, a bucket to mix the samples, a probe, auger or spade to dig the sample and a box to carry the samples. Soil minerals, organic matter, adsorbed nutrients, and dissolved ions. Nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium Carbon, hydrogen and oxygen. Nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium and the pH level of the soil. ouEe Lesson: Conducting Sail Tests Pages ¢ www.it¥oaert.com Copyren © by CAERT, ne. | Reproduction by subsrinton ony. | 4080018CONDUCTING SOIL TESTS > Part One: Matching Instructions: Match the word with the correct definition. a. Absorption f. Fertile scit k. Nutrients b. Adsorbed 9. Fertility [Organic matter . Cation exchange capacity A. tons m. Respiration 4. Cations i. Macronutrierts 1. Soil fertility e. Diffusion i. Micronutrients ©. Stomata 1, Asoil that provides the necessary nutrients for healthy plant growth, 2, A measure of the plant-available nutrients in the soil 3, The estimate of a soil’s nutrient supplying ability 4, Substances that is essential for plant growth and production. 5. Tiny pores on the underside of plant leaves that aid the plant in rutrient uptake. 6. Elements that are needed in large quantities by the plant. 7. Material that comes from plant and animal residues, 8. The amount of negative charge in the soil, 9. Electrically charged atoms of a group of atoms. 0. Elements that are needed by plants in small quantities. 11. Positively charged atoms. 12, The adhesion of molecule to the surface of the soil particles. __13. The physical and chemical processes by organisms that supply oxygen and relieve them of carbon dioxide. 14, The process where nutrients intermingle from a region of higher to one of lower concentration. 15. The intake of matter by some substance. Lesson Conducting Soil Tests Page 9 @ wiw.MYeaert.com ‘Copyright © by CART, Ine. | Reproduction ty subscription any. | LOBOOI> Part Two: Fill-in-the-Blank Insteuctions: Complete the following statements. 1 2 3. There are_nutrients that are required by growing plants. These nutrients are obtained bythe ___or Soil should be tested every _to_years. Collect soil samples before any work is completed, onlya amount of soil is tested, so you want a good sample to be tested, Soil is tested for the three andthe level of the soil The best way to determine the fertility of the soil sample is conduct a > Part Three: Multiple Choice Instructions: Write the letter of the correct answer, Nutrients move through the soil by the movement of soil water is called mass flow adhesion adsorption hydrolysis 2. Which of the following statements is true? 2. Some nutrient ions are positively charged. Nutrient ions are never negatively charged. Nutrient ions are always elemental compounds. dd. Nutrients are never absorbed into the plant in the ionic form, A particle that has a negative or minus charge is called alan) a. cation b. acid «. ion J 4, The force of attraction between two substances is called adsorption adhesion micelle mass flow 5. Adding ___ to the soil will improve the cation exchange capacity and will also provide nutrients. macronutrients micronutrients water organic matter ‘Lesson: Conducting Sail Tests Page 10 @ www.MYeaort.com Copyrgnt © by CAERT, ne. | Reproduction by subscription any. | L08D0281 6. Which of the following elements is not one of the three main elements needed by plants for good growth and development? a. carbon b. iron oxygen 4d. hydrogen 7. Most plant nutrients are obtained from the a. air b. water c. soil d. rocks 8. What is the best way for farmers to decide how much fertilizer they need to apply? Use the same as last year. Use the average amount used for the last ten years. Conduct a soil test Put on a littie more than last year just to make sure, > Part Four: Short Answer instructions: Answer the following questions. What are the 4 reasons to collect soil samples? To collect composite soil samples, what tools are needed? What are the four forms of nutrients that are in the soil? What are the three primary macronutrients? What are the nutrients supplied by the air? \Vehat are the four common tests conducted on a soil sample? Lesson: Conducting Soll Tests Page 14 www.MYcaert.com Copyrien © by CAERT, In. | Reprodveton by subserpton any, | LO80018FORMS OF NUTRIENTS IN THE SOIL Nutrients are present in the soil in four forms: @ soil minerals ¢ organic matter ¢ adsorbed nutrients ¢ dissolved ions Lesson: Conducting Soil Tests Page 12. © wuw.MYeaert.com Copan © by CAERT, ie. | Reproduction ty subserption ony. | LoB02sMNEMONIC C. B. HOPKINS CaFE Mighty good Closed Monday Morning See You Zen Lesson: Conducting Soil Tests: Page 13 @ wwwYeaert.com Copyright © by CRERT, In. | Reproduction by ubseinion ony. | LO80018MACRONUTRIENTS AND MICRONUTRIENTS Macronutrients ¢@ Atmospheric macronutrients = carbon (C), hydrogen (H), oxygen (O) @ Primary macronutrients = nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), potassium (K) @ Secondary macronutrients = calcium (Ca), magnesium (Mg), sulfur (S). Micronutrients ¢ boron (B), copper (Cu), chlorine (Cl), iron (Fe), manganese (Mn), molybdenum (Mo), zinc (Zn). Lesson: Conducting Soil Tests Page 14 & wwwiltYeaert.com ‘cooight © by CAERT, In. | Reproduction by sutserption ony. | (080018MATERIALS NEEDED TO COMPLETE A SOIL SAMPLE . smali sacks to place soil samples in . a bucket to mix the samples . a probe, auger, or spade to dig the sample . a box to carry the samples ‘Lesson: Conducting Soil Tests Page 15. @ www.MYcaert.com Copy © by CAERT, ne. | Reproduction by subseption ery. | LOB0018ELC Gta LCL CLE CONDUCTING SOIL TESTS Agricultural Applications and Practices Soil fertility is the ability of a soil to supply nutrients for plant growth. The soil acts as a storehouse of plant nutrients, Nutrients are stored in many forms with some nutrients available to plants, while others are not. The concept of sol fertility includes the quantity of nutrients a soil contains, the ability to protect nutrients from leaching, the availability of the nutrients for plant use, and how easily roots can absorb the nutrients for plant growth. When discussing soil fertility, we must first have an understanding of plant nutrients. Plant nutrients are essential elements needed for plant growth, Some plants contain ele~ ‘ments not needed for plant growth. Scientists have identified 16 elements that are essential for plant growth, Of the 16, three (carbon, oxygen, and hydrogen) represent about 95% of a plant's nutrient needs. These three elements come from the air and water. The remaining 13 elements are obtained fiom the soil. The three primary macronutrients are usually not available in large enough amounts for plants to grow effectively and are added to the soil by fertilization. The amount of fertilizer to apply is usually indicated by a soil test. Calcium, magnesium, and sulfur, however, are considered secondary macronutrients because they are supplied by most soils and are usually not added to the soil in fertilizers. ‘The remaining seven nutrients are called micronutrients or trace elements because they are required in smaller amounts. Iron, for example, plays a vital role in the formation of chlorophyll. Without chlorophyll, photosynthesis is slowed, which results in a decline in plant growth. It is crucial that plant/crop growers make effective use of fertilizer. Soil test- ing is the best tool for growers to decide how much fertilizer is needed. Soil testing is vital so that the grower can avoid under and over-fertilizing, Science Connections—Questions for Investigation 1. What are nutrient ions? ‘What are sources of elements in the soil? How can we determine nutrient availability? If plant is deficient in nitrogen, phosphorus, or potassium what will it look like? ‘Why should we conduct soil tests? ‘What mineral elements do we test for? Lesson: Conducting Soll Tests Page 16 @ www.MYeaert.com Conyight © by CAERT, rc: | Roproduetion dy subserption ony. | LOBD018Purpose of Laboratory and Student Performance Objectives ‘The purpose of the exercise is for the students to properly collecta composite soil sample. Materials and/or Equipment ¢ Sacks to place the samples Abucket to mix the samples 4 Aprobe, auger, or spade to dig the samples 4 Abox to carry the samples ¢ Afield to conduct the samples. Procedures Give each student or group of students a copy of the worksheet to complete the activity Helpful Hints If possible, use the school’s test plot or a field of one of the students. Have the students look at the field and discuss where the samples should be taken. Divide the class into groups and have the students collect the samples for the tests. Be sure to complete this ab- oratory early enough before any fall tillage is completed or the ground freezes. Break up the soil into smaller pieces prior to letting it dry out. Students should take enough soil for a sample to be sentoff to a laboratory and enough for the class to complete the soil tests. Allow the soil to air dry before any tests are completed, Lesson: Conducting Soil Tests Page 17 @ waw.MYeaert.com Copyright © by CAERT, ne. | Reproduction by subsertion ony | LOBOOISEe CUNT Name. CONDUCTING SOIL TESTS Procedures ‘The first step in testing soil is obtaining a soil sample. The sampling procedure may be summarized as follows: 1. Gather many topsoil sub samples from random spots in the field. Avoid collecting, samples from odd areas such as fencerows, dead furrows, fertilizer spills, and other spots with unustial conditions. Large areas need 15 sub samples, smaller areas need fewer 2. Scrape away surface litter at each testing spot and remove a sample of the soil ‘Augers, soil sampling tubes, and spades can be used to collect the sample. Each soil sample should include soil from the entire testing depth. Drop each soil sample ina clean plastic bucket as itis collected 3, Mixall sub samples from one sampling area, and retnove about one cup of soil. This composite sample represents the average soil in che field, Label the composite sam- ple and let it dry in the air. Do not oven-dry the sample. This could change the test ing results by causing normally unavailable nutrients to be measured (by killing microorganisms) 4, Fitl a mailing container with the dried composite sample, Mark the container according to the instructions provided by the testing center. Complete the sampling sheet which should include the intended crop, production goals, cropping history, and other necessary information, ‘Mail the samples to the laboratory. The sample containers and information sheets can be obtained from the soil laboratory or extension agent. Data Summary and Analysis After filling the mailing containers with the soil samples, keep same of samples to per- form your own tests. Be sure to label the samples for comparisons from your resalts to the soil labs, Lesson: Conducting Soil Tests Poge 18 www.lVeaert.com Conyt © by CAERT, In. | Reproduction by subseeion ony, | 2982018Pee ART SUM ULC CONDUCTING SOIL TESTS Purpose of Laboratory and Student Performance Objectives ‘The purpose of this experiment is to estimate the availability of soil nutrients in various soil samples. A commercially available wet chemistry soil test kit should be used to con duct the test. Materials and/or Equipment 4 soil test kit ¢ soil samples from LS-A Procedures Give each suudent or group of students a copy of the worksheet to complete the activity. Helpful Hints LaMote has several nice wet chemistry soil test kits that ean be used by high school stu dents. Use a mortar and pistl to break the soil down into fine particles. Check supplies before to make sure the students can complete all of the tests. A good test is to have two groups complete the tests on the same sampples for comparisons. Anticipated Findings Hopefully both tests completed by the students groups are similar. Upon receiving the test results back from the laboratery, discuss any differences among the samples. Lesson: Conducting Soi Tests Page 19 @ www.MYeaert.com CCopynent © ty CRERT, ne. | Reproduction by subsceton or. | LOBOOISLS-B: Student Worksheet Name CONDUCTING SOIL TESTS Procedures 1. Perform a soil test by carefully following directions from the instructions in the soil test kit. 2. Record all results on a data sheet. 3. Compare the same samples from this experiment to the soil testing laboratory. 4. Lead adiscussion on why N, P, and K fertilizers are applied to soil and how soil tests interpret what nutrients are contained in the soil Data Summary and Analysis Sample # eel ee My results [Laboratory results Lesson: Conducting Soil Tests Page 20% www.Yesert.com Copyrgnt © by CAERT, ne | Reproduction by subsorpien ony, | LO8D0I9Technical Supplement CONDUCTING SOIL TESTS 1. What are we attempting to measure with a soil test? Standard soil tests attempt to measure plant available nutrients or what the soil can supply to growing plants. Plant nutrients such as calcium, magnesium and potas- sium are supplied to plants ina large measure of exchangeable forms. The exchange- able form of most nutrients represents only a very small fraction of the total amount of that nutrient in soils. Soil tests attempt to measure the plant available ions by extracting soils with 2 solution such as 1N ammonium acetate and by relating the extractable soil nutrient values to yield response in research trials. Fertilizer recom= mendations are adjusted for the specific soil extraction procedure that is adapted. Soil tests are usually taken in the surface six to seven inches of soil even though plant roots go much deeper. Fertilizer recommendations based on soil tests taken from surface soils may be adjusted depending on the potential nutrient supplying capacity of the subsoil. 2. What is the cation exchange phenomenon in soils? ‘The soil is for the most part negatively charged and therefore acts as a large cation exchanger. The negative sites on soils are the result of the chemical structure of clay particles in soils. During the formation of most lays, substitution of fons resulted in an imbalance of ionic charge or a net negative charge. This is a permanent charge and not changed asa result of fertilization or other management practices. This per= manent charge is often enhanced by other negative sites on soils and soil organic matter caused by dissociation of hydroxy! or OH groups particularly charged ions such as Ca2+, Mg2+, and K+. Since exchangeable ions are in equilibrium wich ions in soil solution these ions are held against readily leaching and are readily avail~ able in soil solution for plant uptake. Lesson: Conducting Soil Tests Page 24 4 www.MYcaert.com Conyiene © 2y CAER, ne. | Reprodveien by subseapten ony. | 10800283. How are plant available forms of N, P, and K held in soils? A. Nitrogen Nitrogen exists in soils mainly as a cation NH4+ (ammonium), or as an anion NO3-. However in most soils nitrogen is readily converted to the anion form NO3-. Since the soil acts as a large cation exchanger and nitro- gen exists as an anion, itis not held by soils but would be repelled. Nitrogen in the form of nitrate is therefore easily leached from soils and may be trans- ported to ground water. Farmers sometimes apply nitrification inhibitor which helps to keep nitrogen in the ammonium form longer. In the ammo- jum form it has a positive charge and will be attracted to soils making it much less likely to leach through soils. B. Phosphorus Plant available phosphorus is largely H2PO4-, an anion. This means it will be repelled by soils rather than attracted. Phosphorus is not readily leached from soils however because it rapidly reacts with soil o form insoluble phos- phate. In acid soils phosphotus reacts with iron and aluminum ions to form insoluble phosphates and in alkaline soils phosphate reacts with calcium to form calcium triphosphate with very low solubility. Thus phosphorus is bound tightly to soils through iron and calcium binding. C. Potassium ‘The exchangeable form of potassium is a cation and it is therefore heid by soils which are negatively charged. This attraction of unlike charges gently retards the movement of potassium through soils although some potassium is still leached. 4, Why do we not routinely test soils for available nitrogen? Soils are not routinely tested for available nitrogen as they are for exchangeable phosphorus and potassium. Because nitrogen is readily leached from soil, soil tests taken in the fll of the year would seldom have appreciable amounts of plant avail- able nitrogen in them. That is not because we lack good methods of determining, nitrogen in the laboratory but rather because the nitrogen that will be available to the plant next spring and from the biological release of nitrogen which will also occur during the fall and the next growing season. The release on nitrogen from bound organic forms in the soil to plantavailable forms is highly dependent on climatic fc~ tors such as soil temperature, rainfall, amounts and timing of rainfall. Since weather cannot be predicted long term with any appreciable degree of accuracy, there is little ‘benefit ofa soil nitrogen test for predictive purposes. However, with the increased interest in efficient nitrogen usage and concern about excess nitrogen applications Lesson: Conducting Soll Tests Page 22 wwndYeaert.com Copptaht © by CAERT, nc. | Reproduction by subset ony. | LO80038resulting in nitrate pollution, there has been renewed interest in testing soil prior to final fertilizer applications in early to mid spring for nitrate levels. These tests still will not predict how much nitrogen will become available during the growing sea- son, but can indicate high residual nitrate levels, and the opportunity to limit addi- tional nitrogen fertilizer applications for cost savings to farmers, and to reduce the potential for ground water pollution. Why don’t we routinely test for essential elements other than P and K? Soils are routinely tested for P, K, and pH. The pH test is taken because the pH of the soil affects the availability of many nutrients and can be adjusted by liming. It is important therefore to keep soil pH as near the optimum level as possible. Nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium are used by plants in the largest amount and are most likely to be added to fertilizers as needed. We have already discussed the reason soils are not routinely tested for nitrogen. Other essential elements are usually not suffi- ciently deficient in highly productive agricultural soils to warrant routine testing. However, where recommended additions for N, P, K and limestone (pH) do not result in satisfactory crop growth, soil tests for nutrients such as sulfur, zinc, cal- cium, and magnesium may be performed, Lesson: Conducting Soil Tests Page 23. wwnw.MYoaert.com Copyright by CAERT, io. | Reprecvetion by subscripton any. | L080018Leaves = Food for worms and Herne Re This is called organic matter in the soil.Worm tunnels allow more water to enter the soil OU Uer RUG m Cometic ay ago e Help reduce dangers of water-caused erosion! By letting the water infiltrate into the soil quicker!Worm tunnels make it easier for roots and plants to grow. As roots grow and reach the worm tunnel they can get into the ground easier!Worm tunnels allow air to enter idatomtO)t Worms break through the muddy soil after rainfall. These openings in the soil help with successful root and plant growth and allow air to enter the soil!Worms and other animals mix the soil by Reni betel onatemWorm Doo-Doo = Plant food Worm castings are a mixture of organic substances, microorganisms, and soil. When passing through the digestive system of the worm these are mixed together forming an awesome fertilizer. The worm castings have a higher concentration of nutrients than the surrounding soil. Plants with roots growing in tunnels lined by worm castings show a better uptake of nutrients and healthier eacennaioAn earthworm can grow only so long. A well-fed adult will depend on what kind® of worm itis, how #® many segments it has how old it is and how well fed it is. ‘Source: htto:/lwww.urbanext.uivc. eduiwormsifacts/index htmlThere are approximately 2,700 : different kinds =) of earthworms.Worms live where there is food, moisture, oxygen and a favorable temperature. If they don’t have these things, they go somewhere else. Vv. Source: hitp/www.urbanext.uiuc.eduwormsifactsiindex hteIn one acre of land, there - canbemore \& than a million 7 earthworms. Source: hitp:/wvew.urbanext.uiuc. edu/worms/facts/index. htmlEES The largest earthworm ever found was in South Africa and measured 22 feet from its noseCharles Darwin ) spent 39 years studying earthworms more than 100 years ago. QP Source: hitp:/www.urbanext.uiue.edulworms/factsfindex. htmlWorms are cold-blooded animals. Source: hitp:/iwww urbanext.uiuc.edu/worms/facts/index him!If a worm’s skin dries out, it will die. &Worms can eat their weight each day.Q. How do worms eat? A.They don't have teeth but they have strong mouth muscles. Dew worms or nightcrawlers often surface at night to pull fallen leaves down into their burrow. When the leaf softens a little they pull off small bits to munch on. Worms also "Swallow" soil as they burrow. ‘Source: http:/ww learner orgjnorthisearchWormNotes3 himiteatQ. Why do earthworms stay _ underground and seldom jij come out of the soil? A. Darkness lets them avoid fm being dried out by the sun. If ~ their skin dries out, they can no longer breathe. Light paralyzes them if they're in it more than an hour. Then they can't move back to the safety of the soil. Source: hlipwmw learner org/jnorth/search/WorNotes3 himiflest BiQ. Why do robins tug at earthworms in the soil? A. Worms use the many tiny bristles or setae on each of their body rings to help them crawl as well as to anchor themselves firmly in their burrows. The robin has to tug because the worm is gripping the soil! Source: hifpwww learner orgfjnorth'searchWormNotes3 himiteatQ. What do earthworms eat? A. Earthworms eat soil! Their nutrition comes from things in soil, such as decaying roots and leaves. Animal manures are an important food source for earthworms. They eat living organisms such as nematodes, protozoans, rotifers, bacteria, fungi in soil. Worms will also feed on the decomposing remains of other animals. ‘Source: http:/iwww.learer.org/jnorth/searchiWormNotes3.ntmitieatQ. Can worms crawl forward and reverse? A. Yes. Even though worms can move both frontward and backward they tend to travel forward more. Source: hip: learner orgfinorth/search/WormNotes3.himiteatIt takes more than 500 years to form one inch of topsoil. A Soil Profile Source: wow soils.0°gIn one gram of soil, there are over 5,000 different types of bacteria.Nearly all antibiotics used to fight our infections are obtained from soil x m\ organisms sae:One tablespoon of soil has more organisms in it than people on Earth. ze oP ‘Source:wew.soils.org J ~< Fay”There are more than 70,000 types of soil in the United States. Source www sols. org3NO P29GD BER CY (tbe | Bec YN Quad PCr TSE OOS OL Ce Ey VE ASAANG LS A'sa= perenne es ERCRCPEEe