osMSUsummer11
IMAG0412
-Since I determined my soil to be loamy, and loam is categorized as a median flow soil, water and nutrients should move through at an ideal pace. This should allow for ideal nutrient and water retention in the soil.
-I collected the soil in an area where the grass started to fade into the tree line. The soil contained dead leaves/grass, and some small insects.
-The decaying organic matter seemed to hold the soil together.
-While the soil might be subject to some erosion due to its loamy nature, I don't expect any signifiant erosion to occur due to tree cover and little traffic. Furthermore, the decaying organic matter seems to do a good job of holding the soil together.
-The loss of soil due to erosion would affect many plants and organisms that live in the soil. If the soil were to be eroded, it would likely move to a lower elevation and settle as water tends to do in this area. The soils movement to a lower elevation might affect the location by preventing or slowing the natural flow of water through the system. In, turn this could cause water to settle (creating some flooding problems).
-As an ecologist it's important to study soil texture because it plays a major role in the ecosystem. Since soil type determines how water and nutrients flow, it is important when considering what kind of species can survive in a given area.
IMAG0412
-Since I determined my soil to be loamy, and loam is categorized as a median flow soil, water and nutrients should move through at an ideal pace. This should allow for ideal nutrient and water retention in the soil.
-I collected the soil in an area where the grass started to fade into the tree line. The soil contained dead leaves/grass, and some small insects.
-The decaying organic matter seemed to hold the soil together.
-While the soil might be subject to some erosion due to its loamy nature, I don't expect any signifiant erosion to occur due to tree cover and little traffic. Furthermore, the decaying organic matter seems to do a good job of holding the soil together.
-The loss of soil due to erosion would affect many plants and organisms that live in the soil. If the soil were to be eroded, it would likely move to a lower elevation and settle as water tends to do in this area. The soils movement to a lower elevation might affect the location by preventing or slowing the natural flow of water through the system. In, turn this could cause water to settle (creating some flooding problems).
-As an ecologist it's important to study soil texture because it plays a major role in the ecosystem. Since soil type determines how water and nutrients flow, it is important when considering what kind of species can survive in a given area.