Silty Clay Loam

a) What type of soil is at your site?

Silty clay loam

b) How does your soil’s texture aid or hinder water flow and the movement of nutrients?

It is good for water and nutrient retention.

c) What types of organisms are in the area where you collected the soil?

There were aquatic plants, ducks, fish, spiders, and a bunch of dragonflies.

d) What effects do these organisms have on the soil’s qualities?

The aquatic plants may affect the soil through nutrient absorption through the roots. Oxygen exchange may also affect the soil from the fish and insect.

e) Is the soil you collected likely to be eroded? How would its loss affect the current

location? Where would it erode to in your site? How would its presence affect the

location it moves to?

It is most likely not be eroded. This soil was collected closest to the lake near the water. Although there is a trail that leads down, fishermen are not allowed to cast their bait there. Since the water looks murky and muddy, I doubt pet owners will bring their pets for a swim there.

f) As an ecologist, why is it important to think about soil texture?

You would want to about the composition of the soil so you can determine what species will do best in that environment. Not only will plants thrive, but there are animals and insects as well. Some fish lay their eggs by rocks/bury them in the soil. Dragonflies lay their eggs in the lake and you have to consider the pH of the water which can be affected by the soil.

 

Done