Silty Clay

a) What type of soil is at your site?

Silty clay

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

This soil was very dry. It would help with water movement, but would not be so good in nutrient retention.

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

Shrubs, bushes, and small trees. There were also a lot of birds/finches and some ants.

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

Ants build their nest underground, so they can add to the soil’s richness. The roots of plans may also have an affect with nutrient exchange. The soil provides great support and anchors the plants.

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?

This soil is likely to be eroded since it is located by the bridge connecting both parking lots. Many joggers and their dogs can affect this site. This will cause the soil to erode towards the concrete bridge.

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

Soil texture gives us an idea of what it is composed of. We can use this information to see which plants will benefit from this type of soil. Some animals depend on certain plant species to thrive.

 

Done