SOIL PARTICLES

Soil particles are produced as a result of weathering. The particles that make up soil are categorized into three groups by size – sand, silt, and clay.Sand particles are the largest and clay particles the smallest. Most soils are a combination of the three. The relative percentages of sand, silt, andclay are what give soil its texture.

THE VARIOUS SOIL PARTICLES 

CLAY PARTICLES

• They are fine and smooth 
• They are 0.00mm in diameter.
• They are skicky when wet and hard when dry. 

SILT PARTICLES

• Only visible through microscope 
• Their physical properties lie between the sand and the clay

SAND PARTICLES

• Visible to the naked eyes.
• The particles may be defined as course or fine. 
• Does not become sticky even when wet. 

GRAVELS

• They are larger particles

EXPIREMENT TO SHOW THAT SOIL IS MADE UP OF DIFFERENT PARTICLES

AIM: Experiment to show that soil is made up of different particles. 

APPARATUS

• Soil sample  
• One-pint fruit jar with lid  
• Distilled water 

•  Measuring cylinder/jar
• Tablespoon/ stirring rod
• Sodium carbonate (NaCO3) 

PROCEDURE 

1. Place a 1/2 cup of soil sample in the jar or measuring cylinder. 
2. Add 1.5 cups of distilled water.  
3. Add sodium carbonate for the stratification of the soil particles
4. 2. Stir the mixture for about 2 minutes. 
5. 2. Cap the jar, and shake for 5 minutes. 
6. Leave the jar on the desk. Allow to settle for 24 hours.  

OBSERVATION 

It is observed that the soil particles were separated from the humus. The heaviest particles, thus the gravels settled at the bottom, followed by the sand, silt and clay. The tiny clay particles took long time to settle and the humus and the organic matter remained suspended on the surface of the water. 

CONCLUSION 

A sample of garden soil is made up of different soil particles. 

PRECAUTION 

• The setup should not be disturbed when set to settle down. 
• The measuring cylinder should be placed on a flat surface. 
• Distilled water should be used for the experiment. 
• Stir or shake the mixture vigorously. 

NOTE: The separation of soil particles is called sedimentation. 

Click on the link below to listen to the audio part of the lesson...... 👇👇👇

https://drive.google.com/soilparticlesjhs1/view?usp=drivesdk

END OF LESSON EXERCISE 

1. State the depths of each of the soil particles. 

2. State the reason why the mixture bas to be stirred or shaken when conducting an experiment to show the particles of soil.