Soil pH provides a number of possible science fair projects.
Soil pH is a measure of the acidity or alkalinity of soil. The pH scale ranges from 0 to 14; however, most soils have a pH between 4 and 10. The neutral pH is 7. Acidic soil has a pH less than 7, and alkaline soil has a pH greater than 7. Soil pH influences the types of plants that grow well in the soil. This allows for a wide variety of science fair projects about normal soil pH levels.
Testing Soil pH
A number of soil testing methods are possible for use in a science fair project. They include pH meters that are inserted into the soil sample and soil testing kits that use indicators or dyes. Soil pH can vary from one spot in a yard or field to another. For an accurate calculation, about 10 soil samples are collected, mixed and tested.
Soil in the Western United States
Many parts of the West have low rainfall and high temperatures. This allows calcium carbonate or lime and calcium sulfate or gypsum to accumulate in the soil, raising the pH. For example, the average soil pH of soil in Utah is 7.8 to 8.2. Science fair projects that utilize soil from the western United States will often use alkaline soil.
Soil in the Eastern United States
There is more precipitation in the eastern United States. This dissolves the calcium carbonate and sulfate, resulting in an acidic soil. In addition, eastern soil usually has more humus, decomposed plant litter. This also lowers the pH. Science fair projects involving soil from the eastern United States often deal with acidic soil.
Seasonal Changes
Soil pH may change as much as one unit between seasons. In some areas, there is a higher soil pH in the late winter or early spring compared to other times of the year. Also, farming practices may lower the pH from .2 to .5 units. Science fair projects may take into account these pH differences.
pH and Plants
Soil pH affects the availability of essential nutrients for plants. Some plants such as cranberries won't grow in soil with a pH greater than 6. Many vegetables and flowers are adapted to a pH between 6 and 8. Science fair projects may look at the relationship between soil pH and plant growth.
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