Envi Science.docx

Caribbean Advanced Proficiency Examinations Environmental Science

Name of Student: Bibi Fareada Khan Candidate Number: Name of school: St. Rose’s High School School Code: Name of Teacher: Sir Mark Date of Submission: 2018, April 26th

Table of Content Content

Page No.

Topic and Title page_________________________________________________2 Methodology ______________________________________________________3 Literature Review_________________________________________________4-5 Entries_________________________________________________________6-11 Labs__________________________________________________________12-25 Discussion of findings_______________________________________________26 Conclusion ________________________________________________________27 Reference _________________________________________________________28

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Topic: Soil Fertility

Title: An investigation of Soil Fertility at National Agricultural Research Extension Institute (NAREI) in order to assess the level of concentration of ions in their solution.

Purpose of study

The National Agricultural Research & Extension Institute (NAREI) vision is “to ensure food security, prosperity and livelihoods of all, using technological innovations in agriculture.” The purpose of this research is to identify the factors that affect the growth of vegetation at the National Agricultural Research Extension Institute (NAREI) compound. The investigations were conducted on the soil samples to provide information on the quality of their soil so they can be aware of their soil fertility and how it affects their vegetation. The researcher's objectives are:

●

To observe the vegetation on plots A, B, C and D in field

●

To examine the process of soil extraction using correct tool

●

To make a general comparison among soil samples collected during the extraction stage, with respect to physical characteristics such as colour intensity, texture and coarseness

●

To investigate the relationship between soil and vegetation observed on plot A as compared with shade house Plot B.

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Methodology

The data elicited was gathered from both primary and secondary sources. The primary sources of data was the soil samples obtained from fields A, B, C & D. Hence, the soil samples of data was the use of the internet sites on the World Wide Web and the use of text books.

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Literature Review According to the //www.iaea.org/topics/improving-soil-fertility accessed on the 12th February 2018 soil fertility is the ability of the soil to sustain plant growth and optimize crop yield. Accessed on 12th February 2018 NSW Agriculture and Acids Soil Action state that the ideal pH range for plant growth is from 5.0- 8.0. The researcher’s soil pH results had an average pH of 5. This means the soil was more acidic meaning the soil was rich in nutrients such as nitrogen, potassium, sulfur and calcium. This is because most plant nutrients are found in this pH range. Nitrogen phosphorus, sulfur, magnesium and calcium require a very slightly acidic to a very slightly alkaline soil pH. According to the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service accessed on 12th February 2018 the electrolytic conductivity of soil is affected by its salinity or ionic (salt) levels of the soil, other factors that affect the soil’s electrolytic conductivity are water holding capacity, porosity and temperature. The greater the soil’s porosity the more easily it conducts electricity, it also states that soils with a high clay content has more total pore space than sandier soil’s when other soil parameters remain constant, this research is precise because the researcher’s results of electrolytic conductivity demonstrated that plot/field B had the lowest electrolytic conductivity compared to the other soils of the other plots. According to the Africa Geography Blog accessed on February 12th 2018 stated that factors affecting soil organic matter are climate, natural vegetation, texture, drainage and cropping and tillage. Three factors that relates to the researcher’s results are natural vegetation, texture and drainage. Natural vegetation refers to the total organic matter being higher in soils developed under grasslands. Fine texture soils are generally higher in organic matter than coarse soils demonstrated by results of plot/field B compared to the other plots. Poorly drain soils and poor aeration cause soils to have a high organic content because of their high moisture content. According to the United States Department of Agriculture Natural Resources Conversation Service accessed on February 13th 2018, Phosphorus’ primary role in a plant is to store and transfer energy produced by photosynthesis for use in growth and reproductive processes. It also stated the soils with adequate phosphorus promotes root growth, stimulate tillering and hasten maturity. It also states that Climatic and site conditions, such as rainfall and temperature, and moisture and soil aeration (oxygen levels), and salinity (salt content/electrical conductivity) affect the rate of Phosphorus mineralization from organic matter decomposition. Organic matter decomposes releasing Phosphorus more quickly in warm humid climates and slower in cool dry climates. Phosphorus is released faster when soil is well aerated (higher oxygen levels) and much slower on saturated wet soils. This information can accurately relate to the researcher’s results, field/plot B has the least vegetation therefore has the lowest phosphorus levels. According to the author John Hewitson from the from the Science and Arts for schools accessed on the February 13th 2018 states that Increase in nitrate, like increase in any salt will increase the osmotic concentration of the soil solution. The roots of the plant then have to take up minerals from a more and more concentrated solution. If the solution outside gets too concentrated, there will come a point where the plant is not able to take up any water against the concentration gradient and the plant will start to wilt. Even before this point is reached, the plant will grow slower, none of the fields/plots had wilting vegetation but the effect of nitrates can be seen by the rate at which the vegetation was grown .Field A is more densely vegetated than all the other plots with field B being the least vegetated, shown in the

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result field B has the highest nitrate concentration than all the other plots with field B having the lower nitrate concentration therefore the absence of nitrates indeed affect the growth of vegetation. According to the United States Department of Agriculture Natural Resources Conservation service Inherent factors such as soil drainage, soil texture, and slope steepness impact Nitrate transport and Nitrate transformation processes that limit availability to crops or lead to losses. Inherent factors such as rainfall and temperature; and site conditions such as moisture, soil aeration (oxygen levels), and salt content (electrical conductivity/EC) affect rate of N mineralization from organic matter decomposition, nitrogen cycling, and nitrogen losses through leaching, runoff, or denitrification. Organic matter decomposes releasing nitrate more quickly in warm humid climates and slower in cool dry climates. This nitrates release is also quicker in well aerated soils and much slower on wet saturated soils. Nitrogen can readily leach out of the root zone in nitrate form.

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Entry No. 1 Date: 2017:12:19 Site: National Agricultural Research Extension Institute (NAREI) Field 17 Objective: To observe the vegetation on plot A, plot B, plot C and plot D.

Activity ● ● ● ●

Photographs were taken to assist in the write up. The height of the vegetation on each plot of land was examined. The colour intensity of the vegetation on each plot of land was examined. The abundance of vegetation on each plot of land was observed.

Observations ● ● ● ●

It was observed that some plots had mixed cropping activity conducted. It was observed that the height of vegetation on each plot of land varied. It was observed that the colour intensity of the vegetation on each plot of land varied. It was observed that plot B had more vegetation than plot C, while plot A had more than plot B and plot D had more vegetation than plot A.

Comments ● Plot A had more vegetation than plot B, because plot B had sandy soil while plot A had clayey soil. ● Plot A vegetation had a more intense colour than plot B because plot B had a shade house. ● The suitable depth for vegetation vary from 0-6, 6-12 and 12-18 inches. Follow up Activity The researcher examined the process of soil extraction using the correct tools (the soil prob and agar).

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Entry No. 2 Date: 2017:12:19 Site: National Agricultural Research Extension Institute (NAREI) Field 17 Objective: To examine the process of soil extraction using correct tools. Activity ● ● ● ●

Photographs were taken to assist in the write up. The depth of soil of each vegetation was examined. The method used for the extraction of the soil was assessed. The soil samples were extracted from each plot of land using the appropriate tools.

Observations ● It was observed that the soil depth for the vegetation on each plot of lands varied. ● It was observed that the soil Agar was placed into the soil, turned clockwise and then brought up anti-clockwise to obtain the soil. ● It was observed that the soil probe was placed into the soil and pushed downwards to a certain depth to obtain the soil. ● The soil Agar was used on plots A, B and C, while the soil probe was used on plot D. Comments ● The suitable depth of the soil for vegetation vary from 0-6, 6-12 and 12-18 inches. ● The soil Agar was used on plots A, B and C because there was clay soil present, while the soil probe was used on plot D because there was sandy soil present. Follow up Activity The researcher made a general comparison among soil samples collected during the extraction stage, with respect to the physical characteristics such as colour, intensity and coarseness.

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Entry No. 3 Date: 2017:12:19 Site: National Agricultural Research Extension Institute (NAREI) Field 17 Objective: To make a general comparison among soil samples collected during the extraction stage, with respect to the physical characteristics such as colour, intensity and coarseness. Activity ● ● ● ●

Photographs were taken to assist in the write up. The colour of each soil sample extracted was assessed. The texture of each soil sample extracted was assessed. The coarseness of each soil sample extracted was assessed.

Observations PHYSICAL CHARACTERISTICS Colour

Texture

Coarseness

Dark brown

Smooth

Fine

Plot A

(particles closely packed) B

Brown

C

Brown

D

Brown

Rough (gritty)

Medium coarse

Fine Moderately smooth

(particles closely packed)

Rough

Medium coarse

The table above shows Plots A, B, C and D along with their physical characteristics.

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Comments Field A had a dark–brown colour because of the nutrient and water holding capacity compared to field B, C and D soil sample being brown. Field A, C and D had a more coarse soil sample compared to soil sample of field B because the soil sample of Field B have Large soil particles preventing a high water holding capacity. Also field A, C and D had a soft moist texture because of its very small soil particles and water holding capacity.

Follow up Activity The researcher will investigate the relationship between the soils of plot A as compared with the shade house (plot B).

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Entry No. 4 Date: 2017:12:19 Site: National Agricultural Research Extension Institute (NAREI) Field 17 Objective: To investigate the relationship between the soils of plot A as compared with the shade house (plot B).

Activity ● ● ● ● ●

Photographs were taken to assist in the write up. The soil types present on Plot A and Plot B was compared. The density of vegetation on plot A and plot B was compared. The physical characteristics of the soil on Plot A and Plot B was compared. The physical characteristics of the vegetation on Plot A and Plot B was compared.

Observations

VEGETATION

SOIL

PHYSICAL CHARACTERISTICS

Plot

Type

Colour

Texture

Coarseness

Height

Colour

Density

(inches)

A

Clay

Dark brown

Smooth

Fine

Approx.

Green

Dense

Lighter green than A

Sparse

20

B

Sand

Brown

Rough (gritty)

Medium coarse

Approx. 20 -30

The table above shows a comparison between Plots A and B 10 | P a g e

Comments Field A had a dark soil sample because the soil has small soil particles preventing less air space and allow a higher water holding capacity, the high water content gives the soil the darkened colour, the Soil samples were labelled and place in separate bags to prevent the samples from mixing and producing inaccurate results, the auger was used on field A because of the type of soil of field A which was compact and coarse allowing the soil to be held in the auger.

Follow up Activity The researcher will conduct laboratory tests on the soil samples extracted.

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Lab No: 1 (one) Date: 2017:12:19 Title: Electrolytic Conductivity Aim: To investigate the Electrolytic Conductivity of the soil samples extracted.

Reagents/Apparatus: ●

Stirring rod

● 100ml beaker ● Stop watch ● 10g soil sample ● 25ml distilled water ●

Conductivity Meter

Procedure: ● The materials, reagents and apparatus was gathered. ● 10 grams of soil sample was weighed and 25 ml of distilled water was then added. ● It was stirred for 10 minutes. ● Then the solution was allowed to stand for 30 minutes ● It was stirred again for 2 minutes. ● The solution was then filtered. ● The sample was then read off from the conductivity meter. ● The procedure was repeated using the other soil samples.

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Results/Observation: Plot/Field

Depth (inches)

Electrolytic Conductivity of soil (mmhos/cm)

A

0-6 6-12

0.32 0.22

B

0-6 6-12

0.15 0.23

C

0-6 6-12

0.24 0.28

D

0-6 6-12

0.31 0.26

THE TABLE ABOVE SHOWS THE RESULTS FOR THE SOIL SAMPLES AND THEIR ELECTROLYTIC CONDUCTIVITY

Graph No. 1

0.35 0.3 0.25

0.2 0.15 0.1

0.05 0 A

B (0-6) Inches

C

D

(6-12) Inches

THE COLUMN GRAPH ABOVE SHOWS THE ELECTRO CONDUCTIVITY AGAINSTS PLOTS A, B, C AND D 13 | P a g e

Discussion Soil electrolytic conductivity (EC) is the soil’s ability to conduct electrical energy, one factor that affect the electrolytic conductivity of soil is porosity ,the more porous the soil the less the electrolytic conductivity of the soil, particles size of the soil also affect the electrolytic conductivity of the soil , the smaller the particle size of the soil the higher the electrolytic conductivity as demonstrated by result of field B having the lowest electrolytic conductivity compared to the rest of plots. Another factor that affects the electrolytic conductivity of soil is the water content, plot B had a low water content because of the soil structure. Large in particle size and very porous reducing its electrolytic conductivity.

Conclusion Plot A, C and D had similar electrolytic conductivity with plot B being the lowest.

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Lab No: 2 (Two) Date: 2017:12:19 Title: pH in Soil Aim: To investigate the pH of the soil samples extracted.

Reagents/Apparatus: ●

pH meter

●

stirring rod

●

100ml beaker

●

Stop watch

●

Scale

●

10g soil sample

●

25ml distilled water

Procedure: ● The materials, reagents and apparatus was gathered. ● 10 grams of soil sample was weighed and 25 ml of distilled water was then added. ● It was stirred for 10 minutes. ● Then the solution was allowed to stand for 30 minutes. ● It was stirred again for 2 minutes. ● The pH was then measured with the pH meter while stirring the solution. ● The procedure was repeated using the other soil samples

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Results/Observation: Plots

Depth (inches) 0-6 6-12 0-6 6-12 0-6 6-12 0-6 6-12

A B C D

pH of soil 5.34 5.30 5.30 5.33 5.32 5.22 5.20 5.36

THE TABLE ABOVE SHOWS THE TESTING FOR pH FOR THE SOIL SAMPLES EXTRACTED FROM PLOTS A, B, C AND D

Graph No. 2

5.4 5.35

5.36 5.34

5.3

5.33 5.3

5.32

5.3

5.25 5.22

5.2

5.2

5.15 5.1 Field/Plot A

Field/Plot B (0-6) Inches

Field/Plot C

Field/Plot D

(6-12)Inches

THE COLUMN GRAPH ABOVE SHOWS pH AGAINSTS PLOTS A, B, C AND D

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Discussion: In field A the higher part of the soil had a higher pH than the lower part as shown in the results, the first layer (0-6) inches has a pH of 5.34 compared to the lower part of the soil (6-12) inches has a pH of 5.30.In field B the lower part of the soil (0-6) inches had a higher pH than the higher part of the soil (6-12) inches. The top soil (0-6) inches had a pH of 5.30 and the lower soil (6-12) inches had a pH of 5.33, although pH results differ they’re a very similar results showing that pH is almost constant throughout the soil of field A and field B. In field C the higher soil has a higher (0-6) pH than the lower soil (6-12) inches, the top soil has a pH of 5.32 compared to the lower soil with a pH of 5.22. In field D the higher soil has a lower (0-6) inches pH than the lower soil (6-12) inches, the top soil has a pH of 5.20 and the lower soil has pH of 5.36. In field C and D their pH for the top and lower soil are very different from each other. For field D the pH is affected by leaching, this is because the higher pH of the top soil is lower than the pH of the lower soil statistically demonstrating that the nutrients from the top soil moves to the lower soil as shown by the pH content, Leaching is caused by precipitation. Mixed cropping is a major factor that affected the pH of both field C and D. The Incorporation of several crops on one field of plot will affect the soil pH, different crops require different nutrients from the soil, and therefore the variety of crops will absorbed their required nutrient and affect the soil pH causing a difference in pH of the upper and lower soil.

Conclusion: Plot A and B had a small pH difference between the top soil (0-6) inches and lower soil (6-12) inches with Plot C and D having a high pH difference between top and lower soil.

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Lab No: 3(Three) Date: 2017:12:19 Title: Nitrates Aim: To investigate the percentage of concentrations of nitrates in the four different locations at NAREI.

Reagents/Apparatus: ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ●

Colorimeter 1ml pipette Test tube Test tube cap 5ml graduated cylinder Stop watch 0.1g spoon Soil extract Nitrate reducing reagent

Procedure: ● The power button was pressed and hold down until the colorimeter had turned on ● The ENTER button was pressed to selected TESTING MENU. ● All test was selected (or another sequence containing 064 Nitrate-NLR) from TESTING MENU. ● 064 Nitrate-NLR was selected from menu. ● The ml pipette (0354) was used to add 1ml of soil extract to a clean tube (0290) and it was diluted to ● The tube was inserted into chamber and the lid was closed and the SCAN BLANK was selected. ● The tube was removed from colorimeter and 5ml was poured into the graduated cylinder or similar. The remaining diluted extract was then discarded. ● The 5ml of the diluted extract was poured from the graduated cylinder into the tube. ● The graduated cylinder or similar was used to measured 5ml of Mixed Acid Reagent (V-6278) and was then added to the tube. It was then capped and mixed. Before proceeding step 10 two minutes was taken up. 18 | P a g e

● The 0.1g spoon (0699) was used to add two measures of Nitrate Reducing Reagent (V-6279). ● The tube was held by finger and thumb and was mixed by inverting approximately 60 times a minute foe four minutes.10 minutes was awaited for maximum colour development. ● Tube was mixed and inserted into chamber, at the end of the 10 minutes waiting period. The lid was closed and the SCAN SAMPLE was selected. The results was then multiplied by 100 to determine the nitrate-nitrogen concentration in lb. /acre. ● The power button was pressed to turn off colorimeter.

Results/Observation:

Plots A B C D

Depth (inches) 0-6 6-12

Nitrate %

Nitrate lb. / acre

1.81

181

0-6 6-12 0-6 6-12 0-6 6-12

2.33

233

1.46

146

1.75

175

THE TABLE ABOVE SHOWS THE RESULTS FOR THE PERCENTAGE OF NITRATES AT PLOTS A, B, C, AND D

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Graph No. 3

THE COLUMN GRAPH ABOVE SHOWS NITRATES LB. / ACRES AGAINSTS PLOTS A, B, C AND D

Discussion: Field B has the highest nitrate concentration compared to the other fields/plots. It is expected that Plot A should have the highest nitrate concentration according to research however plot B soil had little vegetation, the density of vegetation on plots A, C and D affected the concentration of nitrates on these plots because the crops are absorbing the nitrates on the plot, taking these factors into consideration can explain Plot B having the highest nitrate concentration.

Conclusion Field/Plot B has the highest nitrate concentration with plots A and C averaging the same nitrate concentration and plot C having the lowest nitrate concentration.

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Lab No: 4 (Four) Date: 2017:12:19 Title: Phosphates Aim: To investigate the percentage of phosphates in the four location at NAREI. Reagents/Apparatus:       

(1) 1ml Pipet (1) 1gram spoon (1)Funnel (1) Vial (1)Filter paper NF Extracting solution Deionized water

Procedure: ●

1ml of Special NF extracting solution was added to the test tube by the 1ml pipet then deionized water was added to the graduation. 3 one gram measures of soil was added to the extracting solution using the 1 gram spoon. The vial was capped and shaken for a period of 5 minutes. The funnel and filter paper was used to filter. All of the filtrates were collected. The phosphorus test was performed according to the phosphorus procedure given.

● ● ● ●

Results/Observation: Plots A

Depth (inches) 0-6 6-12

Phosphates

Phosphates lb./acre

0.48

15.36

0-6 0.13 4.16 6-12 0-6 0.39 12.48 C 6-12 0-6 0.29 9.28 D 6-12 THE TABLE ABOVE SHOWS THE RESULTS FOR THE PERCENTAGE OF PHOSPHATES ON PLOTS A, B, C, AND D B

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Graph No. 4

THE BAR GRAPH ABOVE SHOWS PHOSPHATE LB. / ACRE AGAINSTS PLOTS A, B, C AND D

Discussion: Discussion: Field A has the highest phosphate level because the primary role in a plant is to store and transfer energy produced by photosynthesis for use in growth and reproductive processes, hence field A was densely vegetated than all the plots. Field B has the lowest phosphate level because it is scarcely vegetation.

Conclusion Field A has the highest phosphate level and field B has the lowest phosphate level.

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Lab No: 5 (Five) Date: 2017:12:19 Title: Organic Content Aim: To investigate the percentage of organic matter in the soil samples extracted from the four locations at NAREI

Reagents/Apparatus:         

Dual beam balance Dropper Burette Conical Flask Soil sample Potassium dichromate Concentrated sulphuric acid Ferrous sulphate Phenolphthalein Distilled water

Procedure: ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ●

1 gram of soil was weighed. 10 ml of potassium dichromate was added. Then was swirled for 1 minute. 20 ml of concentrated sulphuric acid was added. Then was swirled for 1 minute. Then was allowed to stand for 30 minutes. 200 ml of distilled water was added. 3 drops of (phenolphthalein) indicator was added. 0.5M of ferrous sulphate was titrated until a red colour change.

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Results/Observation: Plot

Depth

Organic Carbon %

Organic Carbon

A

0-6 6-12 0-6 6-12 0-6 6-12 0-6 6-12

5.59 3.99 4.40 5.19 4.79 3.19 3.99 3.59

9.6148 6.8628 7.5680 8.9268 8.2388 5.4868 6.8628 6.1748

B C D

THE TABLE ABOVE SHOWS THE RESULTS FOR THE ORGANIC MATTER ON PLOTS A, B, C, AND D

Graph No. 5

12 10 8 6 4 2 0 Plot/field A

Plot/field B (0-6) Inches

Plot/Field C

Plot/Field D

(6-12) Inches

THE COLUMN GRAPH ABOVE SHOWS ORGANIC CARBON AGAINSTS PLOTS A, B, C AND D

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Discussion In field A the top soil (0-6) has a higher organic matter than the lower soil (6-12) this is because of one factor that affect organic matter of soils is natural vegetation the vegetation cuaes more organic matter to be present at the top of the soil. Plot A, C & D were more vegetated than field B therefore having a higher organic matter than field A demonstrated in the results. Field B has a higher organic matter than at the top soil than lower soil because of the soil porosity causing more of the organic matter to settle lower into the soil. Filed A had the highest organic matter in the top soil because it was more vegetated than all of the other field/ plots.

Conclusion Field A has the highest organic carbon in the top soil, field C has the lowest organic carbon in the lower soil.

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Discussion of findings The soil pH result demonstrated that throughout the soil samples for each of the plots their pH were of an average of 5.0 NSW Agriculture. The Acid Soil action for ideal pH range for plant growth is from 5.0 to 8.0. This proves that the soil of the plots is suitable for soil growth but is on the acidic spectrum for the suitability of soil pH therefore the plot has crops that will grow in the acidic soil. The crops grown on the plots were crops such as eggplants. The electrolytic conductivity results demonstrated a variation of EC among the first 6 inches and the lower 6 inches of the soil. For plot A, the top soil (0-6 inches) has the higher electrolytic conductivity than the lower soil ( 6-12 inches) . The Resources Conservation Service states that temperature affects electrolytic conductivity therefore the temperature increased the speed at which the electrons travel giving the top soil (0-6 inches) the higher electrolytic conductivity because it is closer to the sun. Thus, the reason for plots' B and C top soil being lower is because of factors such as the porosity of the soil . Hence, taking into consideration, the location of Plot B. It is located in a shed, therefore temperature won’t be a relevant factor to consider, since its electrolytic conductivity is affected. As for plot C, which is densely vegetated and affected by temperature the top soil has a lower electrolytic conductivity than the lower soil. Plot D however has a higher EC in the top soil than the lower soil. Additionally, it is elicited that the organic carbon results demonstrated that plot A’s top soil (0-6 inches) has the highest organic carbon, while plot B has a slightly lower organic carbon in the top soil compared to the lower soil. Since the Africa Geography Blog Stated that vegetation affects soil organic carbon, it can be said that plot B is poorly vegetated. Therefore its organic carbon is altered. However, the results of phosphates stated that plot A has the highest phosphate levels and plot B has the lowest phosphate level. The United States Department of Agriculture Natural Resources Conservation Service states that organic matter decomposes to release phosphates. Hence, plot A is densely vegetated and also has the highest organic carbon and on the other hand plot B is not very vegetated and also has the lowest organic carbon. Therefore, the phosphate results are proven accurate. Finally, the nitrogen results demonstrated that plot B has the highest nitrogen concentration compared to the other plots. The United States Department of Agriculture Natural Resources Conservation Service stated that the amount of vegetation on the plot will greatly affect the nutrient concentration. Therefore, the more vegetated the plot is the more nitrogen will be consumed. Thus, this explains why plot B has the highest nitrogen concentration. Additionally, the more vegetation on the plot, the more nitrogen will be added to the soil when the organic matter decomposes (eg: leaves, flowers, etc).

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Conclusion In conclusion, for the pH lab, plots A and B has similar pH levels throughout the soil accounting the first 12 inches of the soil while plot C and D has a large pH difference with plot D having the largest pH difference between the soils. However, in the electrolytic conductivity lab plots C and D has an almost similar electrolytic conductivity throughout the soil. While, both plots B and A have the largest EC difference with plot A having the largest EC difference in the soil accounting for the first 12 inches of the plots. And in the organic matter lab all the plots has an almost similar organic matter difference throughout the soil of each plot accounting for the first 12 inches of the soil in each plot with plot D having the lowest organic matter and Plot A having the highest organic matter. In the phosphate lab plot A has the highest phosphate level, while plot B has the lowest phosphate level and plots C and D phosphate levels being almost similar. Finally, in the nitrates lab Plot B has the highest phosphate level with plots A and D being having similar nitrate levels and Plot C having the lowest Nitrates level

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Reference 

         

http://www.extension.umn.edu/agriculture/nutrientmanagement/nitrogen/understanding-nitrogen-in-soils/ http://www.environment.nsw.gov.au/resources/soils/testmethods/ec.pdf www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0003/167187/soil-ph.pdf http://www.environment.organic.carbon.content/resouces/soils file:///C:/Users/Home/Downloads/nrcs142p2_053136.pdf https://www.thespruce.com/importance-or-proper-soil-ph-2131096 geographymaterials.blogspot.com/2015/08/factors-affecting-soil-organic-matter.html www.nrcs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_DOCUMENTS/nrcs142p2_053254.pdf http://www.saps.org.uk/saps-associates/browse-q-and-a/631-how-does-excessamounts-of-nitrate-affect-the-growth-of-a-plant-and-why-is-this-so https://extension.umaine.edu/gardening/manual/soils/interpretting-soil-tests/ www.nrcs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_DOCUMENTS/nrcs142p2_053274.pdf

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