Jar Soil Test Activity - Indiana Wildlife Federation printable pdf download

Jar Soil Test Activity - Indiana Wildlife Federation

Jar Soil Test Activity

In this activity, you will test the structure of your soil to learn more about its composition. You can use

this information later to help decide whether or not you need to fertilize and to help you choose the

appropriate native plants.

Time

In class: 5-10 minutes

At home: 2-3 days (to let the particles settle)

Supplies

Bag of 2 cups of soil from your yard (dried and free of stones, roots,

etc.)

Measuring cup or spoon

Mason jar or other see-through container with lid (quart size)

Water

1 tsp of non-foaming liquid dish soap

Permanent marker or masking tape

Photo: Colorado State University Extension,

Blue or red pen or pencil

Colorado Master Gardener Program

Paper towels or a rag

Background

Soil composition is based on how much and what types of minerals are present. Generally, knowing the

amount of sand, silt, and clay will give you a good estimate of your soil’s texture and type. Sandy soil

has large particles that allow plenty of space for air and water to disperse. Consequently, it cannot hold

water and valuable nutrients for very long and drains quickly. Plants, like many wildflowers, that have

adapted to dry, well-drained soils will work best in this type. Clay is much denser and has tiny particles

which allow it to hold water and nutrients well. It releases water very slowly. Plants that like ‘wet-feet’

or having their roots regularly flooded will prefer this type of soil. Silt falls somewhere in between sand

and clay. It holds water better than sand but not as well as clay. Most soils have some mix of all three

types; a “loamy” soil has approximately equal amounts of silt, sand, and clay.

Method

1. Measure out 2 cups of soil from the bag you brought from home. (Don’t forget to remove plant

material and rocks so you can achieve accurate results!)

2. Put the soil into the quart-size jar.

3. Fill to the top with water and add 1 tsp of the dish soap.

4. Close the lid tightly and shake the jar for about 3 minutes or until everything is mixed.

5. Set the jar in a safe place and leave it for 1-3 days or until the particles have all settled. Do not

mix again.

Jar Soil Test Activity - Indiana Wildlife Federation