Botany lab ten: soil analysis

Laboratory used soil tests kits and a couple of probes to determine soil nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, pH, and temperature. 


Kits from LaMotte were used.


Soil from my own yard suggests low nitrogen, high phosphorus, and perhaps no potassium. The pH would come in at 6.6.


Large test tubes were needed for the roughly 30 ml extraction process. Perhaps small graduated cylinders would have helped get the amount right. A presentation included a copy of the instructions. Test tubes racks were also a necessary addition. 


For the NPK tests the smaller test tubes used to mimic the one supplied by LaMotte were too full to mix. So capped test tubes were found and used. 


Benselyn looks for a test tube of the appropriate size. 

Spoons were disposable items. Timers were marginally useless. Students used their phones. 


More test tablets will be needed for spring 2025. 


Devron probably testing for potassium - he has none. The soil thermometer can be seen in this shot. 


Kaetani and Gilbert.


Aleina, Joann, and Sonya working with test tubes.


Benselyn with a capped test tube. 

Lee Sandra consults the directions on her phone. 

This laboratory went better than expected. Everyone brought soil from home and learned about the deficiencies in their own soil. 

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