1) The student conducted an experiment to determine which soil type retains the most water by pouring 500ml of water through samples of humus, clay, sand, and gravel soil. 2) The hypothesis was that humus soil would retain the most water due to its small pore space. 3) The results showed that humus soil retained the most water on average at 301ml, followed by clay at 451ml, sand at 360ml, and gravel, which retained the full 500ml poured through it.

1. READY, Set, flowBy: tOMMYhAYES

2. Introduction My experiment is a test into which soil retains/absorbs the most water. This idea was prompted by an earlier project this year. It was a very interesting topic and I wanted to continue my research further. It is a pretty simple project, but it has a very important meaning and much in-depth research and hard work. I hope you enjoy my presentation!

3. ProblemWhich kind of soil retains the best, when water is poured through it?

4. ResearchPermeability is the ability of water to flow through a soil is referred to as the soil's permeabilityThere is 4 types of soil: Clay, Humus, Sand, and GravelSoil is made up of 4 mail components: Water, Air, Mineral Particles, and Organic Matter. (Organic Matter is made up of 3 main parts: Roots, Humus, and Organisms)Weathering causes layers in soil. There can be up to 5 layers in soil: O, A, B, C, and R horizonsSoil texture is based on the size of the particles in the soil.Pore space is the void space between particles of soilPore space helps determine permeability

5. Research (C0ntinued)Rocks can also be permeable Permeable rocks are vulnerable to weathering & erosionClay usually has the least permeability rate because of it’s very little pore spaces Mid to high permeability rates are the best for plant growthSoil with very little pore space is not good for plant growth if the plant roots cannot fit through the pore space Soil with no plant life is susceptible to erosion Sand and clay have the smallest particles.Humus and clay retain water the best usually

6. HypothesisIf I pour water through four different kinds of soil, thenHumus will retain the most water because Humus has very tiny pore space

7. Materials4 Rubbermaid 2 Liter containers1 roll of GardenPlus burlapScissors1 roll of Bounty paper towels1000 ml of Humus1000 ml of Clay1000 ml of Sand1000 ml of Gravel2 measuring cups2000 ml of water4 Office Depot rubberbands

8. Procedures 1. Cut four strips of the burlap. 2. Fold the burlap to fit the four 2 Liter containers. 3. Place the burlap on the containers and secure it with a rubber band. 4. Place the containers on a paper towel, incase of spills. 5. Then measure out 1000 ml of sand, humus, clay, and gravel. 6. Carefully, pour the soil on the burlap covered containers. 7. Measure out 2000 ml of water. 8. Pour 500 ml on each soil type. 9. Take the soil and burlap off the containers after the water has stopped dripping. 10. Record the results. 11. Repeat 3 more times.

9. VariablesControlled Variables- In my experiment I have very many controlled variables: The amount of water pored through the soil (500 ml)

10. The amount of soil per container (1000 ml)

11. The size of the containers (2 Liters)

12. The amount of burlap used (42 cm. by 30 cm.)

13. The size of the rubber bands (10 cm.)Without these variables this would be an inaccurate experiment.

14. Independent VariableThe independent variable (the variable I changed) was the soil. Instead of having one soil I had four soil types. This enhanced my experiment because without the independent variable my experiment would really only be an activity.

15. Dependent Variable If I change the soil types then the results will differ. This will happen because each soil has a different permeability rate based on the amount of pore space between particles.

16. ResultsHumus: 306, 297,301 ml. Clay:456, 432, 466 ml. Sand: 387,341, 352 ml. Gravel: 500,500,500 Ml of water left overType of Soil