Part A: Discovery Soil Characterization: Go to an outside location that you can collect a soil sample. Dig a small hole up to about 12 inches deep. Collect one or more samples from the top to the bottom of the hole (collect more than one sample if you observe different layers; store a sample from each layer separately). Store in a plastic ziplock(s) or other container(s). Choose a second sampling location that seems to have a bit different soil (this may require going to a different location). Suggestions for areas that will be different are those near streams and lakes, areas with significant erosion, etc.) A minimum of two location samples are required however, feel free to collect additional samples at other locations if there are areas that seem different and you would like to include them. Section 1: Discovery Summary Write a summary of your soil samples. There are three main physical soil characteristics you should describe about your 2 (or more) location samples. Specifically, include desсrіption of soil color, soil texture, and soil structure (relative size and composition). Also, describe the collecting experience (where did you go, how long were you there, what did you observe, how did you identify the soil characteristics, what was challenging etc.) Be specific and detailed (~500 to 1000 word summary). Part B: Credible Scientific Literature Section 2: Library Discovery Using the 2 (or more) samples that you observed write a summary that compares and contrasts the samples. Areas that should be covered include soil color, soil texture, and soil structure. Use the USDA Web Soil Survey tool to describe the area of your sampling (instruction link, press WWS). Download or take a screenshot of the analysis to include in your summary. Does the USDA characterization match your observations? Discuss and describe why or why not.
