Quantitative Test
I performed the quantitative soil test. I had to mix 60-70 ml of soil and add water up to the 100 ml line. I shook it for about 2 minutes with my hand covering the top to mix it all together. I used several different techniques to make sure the soil was completely declumped.
Berlese Funnel
I cut the top off of the bottle and used staples to secure the funnel to the sides of the bottle. I poured the ethanol into the bottle. Next I got a piece of mesh that Served as a filter for the mud. I had trouble deciding what size of mesh to use. I ended Ip using a 2x2 square piece. I held the piece in place as I dumped the soil in.This prevented soil from getting through cracks and falling into the ethanol. I used my hand to gently pack the soil in.
Role that organsims play in soil:
Our group did not find any organisms in our soil. However if we had, it would have been likely for our soil to contain oraganisms such as earth worms and rollly pollies. Worms have a big impact on soil. They stimulate microbial activity through their faces. The feces Turns organic matter into A form that can be taken up by plants and used for growth. Also, they increase infiltration. Earthworms make the soil more porous through borrowing. They also Provide channels for plant root growth. The borrows made by the worms create a nutrient rich path where the plants can grow their roots.
Our group did not find any organisms in our soil. However if we had, it would have been likely for our soil to contain oraganisms such as earth worms and rollly pollies. Worms have a big impact on soil. They stimulate microbial activity through their faces. The feces Turns organic matter into A form that can be taken up by plants and used for growth. Also, they increase infiltration. Earthworms make the soil more porous through borrowing. They also Provide channels for plant root growth. The borrows made by the worms create a nutrient rich path where the plants can grow their roots.
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