Soil Sampling and Survey Assignment
Field Investigation
You are to collect soil from 3 different locations, anywhere in Harford County – Sites could include your backyard, a state park, a farm field, literally anywhere where there is soil (try to avoid recent construction areas). Use the shovel to take a sample somewhere between 6-12 inches down. Place the sample in a bag if necessary. Use a Munsell Soil Chart (https://www.southsuburbanairport.com/Environmental/pdf2/Part%204%20-%20References/Reference%2016%20Munsell%20Color%20Charts/MunsellColorChart.pdf)
determine the soil color of your soil using correct soil color notation. Take a picture of your soil and paste them below. Record your results in the table, and answer the questions that follow.
| Sample location | Soil color notation
|
Color name |
| 1 | ||
| 2 | ||
| 3 |
Pic of Sample 1:
Pic of Sample 2:
Pic of Sample 3:
REVIEW QUESTIONS
- Each color chip described by three components of color. Define each of these elements.
- Hue
- Value
- Chroma
- If you added organic matter to your above soil sample, would the Munsell color notation change? Explain.
- Bluish-gray colored soils are called gley, and are the color of reduced iron compounds. What does this tell you about the history of a soil with this color?
- What is the name of the system you used to determine soil color is called?
- Define mottling.
- What does mottling in the subsoil suggest?
