holisticjilo.blogg.se - Soil profile and soil horizon definition

Chroma is indicated in a 0 to 20 range for colourĬarbonates in SoilsCarbonates are materials that coat soil particles in soils that are above pH 7, especially in arid or semi-arid climates. The number before the colour indicates progression from yellow to red. The symbol for hue are the first letter of the colour, R for red, Y for yellow, Y-R for yellow-red. Record the colour matches by hue, value and chorma.Compare the sample with this chart and identify the main colour match and a secondary colour match.Place a sample of the soil from each layer on a white sheet.Record your first and second choices for soil colour. Look carefully at the colours on the soil colour chart on the back and compare them with your soil to decide the colour of your soil. If the soil is dry, carefully moisten the inside surface with a spray of water. To identify the soil colour take an undisturbed soil ped in your hand. Soil colour indicates the types of minerals found in a soil and indicates how soils were formed.

Categorize each horizon on the basis of the definitions outlined below.

Record the top and bottom depth of each horizon.

Note the depths at which each horizon starts and ends. Start with the meter stick or tape measure at 0 cm at the top of the profile.

Measure the top and bottom depth of each horizon beginning at the top (surface) of the profile.

These observations will help to define the horizons.

Look carefully at the soil profile for distinguishing characteristics such as color, texture, shapes, roots, rocks, small dark nodules (called concretions), worms, small animals, insects, and worm channels.

Be sure there is a consensus regarding the definition of the layer boundaries.

Mark each layer ( use a nail or golf tee) at the top and bottom of each horizon.

Start at the top of the profile and observe the characteristics of the soil moving towards the bottom of the profile.

If the soil profile is dry, moisten it with the spray mist bottle.

Determine whether the soil profile is moist, wet, or dry.

Use a trowel to scrape a few centimeters of soil off of the profile to expose a fresh soil face.

Take pictures of the soil profile and the surrounding area. Make sure your shadow doesn’t block part of the picture of the soil profile. Stand outside the soil pit with your back to the sun, facing the soil face. Place a metre stick inside the soil pit beside the soil profile to show scale. The soil profile should be facing the sun.

Take a photograph of the soil study area and the soil profile.

This will give both elevation and longitude and latitude for your site. Stand next to the soil pit and use your GPS to create a waypoint for the location of your soil pit. Making a soil pit: Identifying and describing the study area involves three steps. The next steps, outlined below, describe what information is typically collected in a soil pit and how analysis of the information helps in understanding various soil uses and dynamics. The initial step is selecting site and making a soil pit. The following descriptions outline methods for describing and analyzing soils.