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We have taken a local soil sample from an area near our school campus that has not been plowed or tilled in at least the last fifty years. The sample site was on level ground in a grassy area. We took our soil sample according to the instructions provided for you in our Activities section, Taking a Soil Sample. We have made observations and conducted several tests to determine the type of soil and its characteristics. This section will tell you about the results we found. We would like to invite you to do the same with a soil sample taken from your area and send us the results either through our e-mail or our school's postal mailing address. Both are provided on the Visitors' Page along with question to guide your soil testing. We would like to add information to our website and have comparisons of soils from many locations. we appreciate your help!

Our soil sample, taken from the area described above, was very dark in color and nearly saturated. It had a deep, rich earthy smell to it; no unpleasant odors. Our sample showed three rather indistinct layers. Near the surface about 3" down the soil appeared thick with grass roots and very dark. We found a worm in this top layer. After that the color got lighter and it turned into sandy soil. Near the bottom of the soil sample, about 7" down it is a gray colored clay. Our soil had very little air in it as it was pretty saturated from recent rains. As the soil settled in the water we could clearly see the separation of the sand and clay. There was also some very fine silt at the surface layer. Organic matter floated at the to of the water. The pH tested neutral.

We will be studying our soil further and comparing samples taken from different locations locally. We would also like to compare it with yours.

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