Super Soil

Super Soil

Optimal Organics
Lesson: 5.4
Level:
Intermediate
Station: Composting
Format: Experiment
Rating:
Intermediate Lesson 5.4 Super Soil

Lesson Overview

We often think of the soil as just dirt but good dirt is much more than that. In this lesson, students will explore the three primary components of good soil and determine just how much organic material is needed to dial in the raised planters.

Goals

  • Students will be able to describe the three primary components of a soil sample.

Outcomes

Students will estimate the amount of compost needed in order to bring the organic matter to approximately 5% of the total soil in raised planters.

Teach the Teacher

Tools & Materials

  • Mason jar with lid and ring
  • Soil sample
  • Water
  • Ruler
  • Marker
  • Tape

Activity

Soil is anything but simple. Particulates of varying sizes create a structure that is improved with the proper amount of organic material. This complexity is the basis of the soil food web and essential for plant production.

But when the composition of the soil is unbalanced plant production is jeopardized. So, like any other responsible farmer, you need to understand just what your soil is composed of and how to optimize it.

For most edible crops, a good soil composition would include approximately 5% organic matter. Calculate the amount of compost needed for each raised planter or raised bed in your Lab assuming that your starting soil has no organic matter at all. How do you make that calculation? By weight or volume?

What else is in the soil? Estimate the percentage of clay, sand, and silt using the Mason Jar Soil Test to get a full view of the composition of your soil.

Related Lessons

Give the Advanced lesson a try now that you’ve completed the Intermediate Lesson! Or revisit the Beginner Lesson as needed.

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