Soil Fertility Protocol

Abstract:

The purpose of this resource is to measure the amounts of nitrogen, phosphorous and potassium in each horizon in a soil profile. Using a NPK test kit, students mix a dry, sieved soil sample into a solution and chemically extract the N, P, and K as nitrate, phosphate, and potassium. The N, P, and K amounts in the sample are determined by comparing the solution to a color chart. Students describe the N, P, K amounts as high, medium, low, or none. These measurements are conducted three times for each horizon.

Subject:

Science and Technology

Grade Level:

Secondary

SubTopics:

Soil and Land

Collection:

Globe Program