Loamy Sand

a) What type of soil is at your site?

Loamy sand

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

It is good for water retention, but okay when it comes to nutrient retention.

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

There were large trees and a bunch of small birds/finches. There were also ants seen on the trunk of the tree.

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

The plants probably have the most affect from nutrients absorption through their roots, especially with the large oak trees found nearby.

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?

I do not think the soil is that much eroded because of the oak tree that has been there for years. It may be very slightly eroded due to a trail nearby which can be affected by joggers and their pets. This would move some soil more towards the rocky trail and up to the concrete parking lot.

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

Soil texture can let us know of what it is composed of. This can be used to determine which types of plants may benefit from the soil.

 

Done