13 1 THE PHYSICAL PROPERTIES OF SOILS ARTHUR G.McCALL MJBERT R. M/UV/V UBRARY AT ell University Library The physical properties of soils :a labo 3 1924 018 734 057 Cornell University Library The original of tliis book is in tine Cornell University Library. There are no known copyright restrictions in the United States on the use of the text. http://www.archive.org/details/cu31924018734057 w o fcT o £ ■« o g < THE PHYSICAL PROPERTIES OF SOLS A LABORATORY GUIDE By ARTHUR G. McCALL Professor of Agronomy in the College of Agriculture of the Ohio State University ILLUSTRATED NEW YORK ORANGE JUDD COMPANY LONDON KEGAN PAUL, TRENCH, TRUBNER&CO., Limited 1917 Copyright, 1909 BY ORANGE JUDD COMPANV All Rights Reserved [Entered at Stationers' Hall, London, England^ Printed in V. S. A. PREFACE The experiments described on the following pages are designed especially for the use of the students in the four-year course in agriculture in colleges and universities. These exercises will give sufficient work to cover two or three terms, depending upon the number of hours devoted to laboratory practice each week. An effort has been made to outline the experiments as clearly and concisely as possible, in order that the student may take up each exercise without delay. While these practices are the outcome of several years' experience in teaching Soil Physics at the Ohio State University, they are not all original with the author. Material has been drawn from various sources, and so arranged that it may be adapted to instruction in soils under a wide range of conditions. Acknowledgment is due my assistant, Mr. G. R. Hyslop, for valuable suggestions and aid in working out these practices, and to tlie following for material and suggestions. Prof. M. F. Miller, University of Missouri, Prof. E. O. Pippin, Cornell University, Dr. L. J. Briggs, U. S. Dept. of Agriculture, Professors Stevenson and Schaub of Iowa State College, and others. A. G. McCall. Soil Physics Laboratory Ohio State University Columbus, Ohio. August, 1908. CONTENTS General Information Soils Laboratory Desk Outfit . Stock Soils . Determination of Flygroscopic Moisture Determination of Moisture in Field Soils Determination of the Specific Gravity of Soils Determination of Volume Weight and Pore Space 22 Determination of Pore Space in Field Soils . Percolation of Water Through Soils . Water-holding Capacity of Soils .... The Distribution of Capillary Water in Soil Columns .... . . Flow of Air Through Soils Flow of Air Through Field Soils . Capillary Rise of Moisture . . ... Interruption of the Capillary Rise of Moisture Continuous Rise of Capillary Moisture . Lateral Movement of Capillary Moisture . Co-efficient of Evaporation . . ... Effect of Mulches upon Rate of Evaporation The Absorptive Power of Soils The Flocculating Effect of Lime .... PAGE I 3 5 10 12 18 26 32 38 40 42 44 46 46 SO 54 56 60 64 68 vni CONTENTS PAGE Power of Soils to Retain Fertilizers in Solution . 70 The Specific Heat of Soils 74 Mechanical Analysis of Soils 80 Chromic Acid Method of Determining Organic . Matter .... 92 Directions for Taking Soil Samples .... 96 Standardization of the Eye-piece Micrometer . 99 Table of Data 100 Index lOT The Physical Properties of Soils GENERAL INFORMATION AND DIRECTIONS The laboratory instruction in soils is confined al- most exclusively to a study of the physical properties of soils and the relation of these properties to rational methods of soil management. The relation of the soil to moisture being of first importance, a great many of these experiments are designed to show the influence of physical conditions upon the movement and retention of moisture in the soil, There are various ways of expressing the amount of water present in a soil : ( i ) as per cent of dry weight of the soil, (2) as per cent of wet weight, (3) as pounds per cubic foot, and (4) as surface inches. The water content is usually expressed either as per cent of dry weight or as pounds per cubic foot. The degree of compactness of soils has a great in- fluence upon their behavior, hence for all comparative tests it is very necessary that all the soils be compacted uniformly. For this purpose specially designed com- pacting machines are used. Before beginning an experiment read carefully the entire exercise and see that all the necessary apparatus is at hand. 3 THE PHYSICAL PROPERTIES 01? SOILS The character (T) following the name of a piece of apparatus means that it must be obtained from the instructor. At the close of each experiment all apparatus must be cleaned thoroughly and returned to its proper place before credit is given for the work. Full notes on each exercise must be made at the time the experi- ment is performed. The final report must be made on the blank pages in this book, and should contain (i) a description of the experiment and apparatus used, (2) the results in a neat tabulated form, so that their story can be quickly read, and (3) a short discussion along the lines indicated on the direction sheet. The references given at the close of the exercises are to be read before the experiment is written up. All books to which reference is made will be kept on a table in the laboratory or adjoining room, where they will be accessible to the students during laboratory hours. Write your name and the hours during which you are due in the laboratory on the card attached to your desk. This book is not to be taken from the laboratory except by special permission, but must be left in the place designated by the instructor. The physical Properties of §oiL§ SOILS LABORATORY DESK OUTFIT THE FOLLOWING ARTICLES ARE LOANED TO THE STUDENT 6 Aluminum Dishes, 3 'in. I Bunsen Burner I Ring Stand with 3 Rings I Tongs, Crucible I Tripod 2 Porcelain Cups I Spatula I Test Tube Rack 2 Sets Beakers, i to 5 6 Dishes, Porcelain No. I Desiccator, 8 in. 2 Cylinders, Graduated 250 cc. 6 Test Tubes 4 Percolators, Oldberg's Cylindrical, 500 cc. THE FOLLOWING ARTICLES ARE CHARGED TO EACH STUDENT AND CAN NOT BE RETURNED I Clay Triangle ^ $ .05 I Wire Gauze .05 I Glass Rod 05 3 Ft. Rubber Tubing ,15 I Sponge ,10 I Towel Tn I Test Tube Brush os I Box Safety Matches THE PHYSICAL PROPERTIES OF SOILS THE PHYSICAL W40PERTIES OF SOILS STOCK SOILS Unless otherwise stated, the soils called for in these exercises will be found in the bins in the soil- handling room opening off from the main laboratory. The soils used consist of (i) sand, (2) sandy loam, (3) loam, or silt, (4) muck, and (5) clay. 1. Sand — clean lake or river sand. 2. Sandy Loam — a loam with sufficient sand to make open mellow soil. 3. Loam or Silt — heavier type than No. 2, con- taining more silt and less sand. 4. Muck — well-drained swamp soil containing a large quantity of organic matter. 5. Clay — a heavy, sticky soil containing a large amount of clay. The soils are prepared by drying and pulverizing until they pass through a 2 mm. sieve. The different grades of sand are prepared by passing the lake sand through a series of sieves. The mechanical analysis of each soil is given on the card attached to the bin. These . analyses should be recorded on the following page and referred to fre- quently in interpreting the results obtained in the laboratory. Use the co-ordinate paper to make a graphic representation of the mechanical composition of the soils. THE PHYSICAL PROPERTIES OF SOILS Q CO t3 t/i h1 ►-( o o CO I— I oa < o d in o d O o 9 \n q d o q d c 1 s < Ph U3 1 X c £ n c c: E a. c c a X c 5 i. C > tr s e u B t 'I s o THE PHYSICAL PROPERTIES OF SOILS LI la « o p ujo o 3 — < g u " S ^ ii trz << ■* PERCEIMT'^ _J kJ H in 11.(3 EXERCISES 10 THE PHYSICAL PROPERTIES OF SOILS FIRST EXERCISE I. DETERMINATION OF HYGROSCOPIC MOISTURE IN STOCK SOILS Determine the hygroscopic moisture of the soil samples in the bins by proceeding as follows : Carefully weigh a small dish on the chemical balance, then place in the dish a lo-gram representative sample DRYING OVEN HEATED BY GAS The gas supply is automatically regulated by a relay operated on a battery circuit of soil. Dry in the oven at iio° C. for twenty-four hours. The loss in weight is the hygroscopic moisture. The loss in weight divided by the weight of the oven- dry soil will give the per cent of hygroscopic moisture. Although the hygroscopic moisture varies from day to day with the humidity of the atmosphere, these re- sults may b§ used in subsequent experimerits whenever THE rX-;YSlCAL PKOPERTIES OF SOILS II STUDENT'S NOTES AND REPORT 12 THE PHYSICAL PROPEKTIES OF SOILS DOUBLE-WALLED DRYING OVEN HEATED BY TWO ELECTRIC-LIGHT BULBS it is necessary to know the per cent of hygroscopic moisture. What is the effect of soil texture and the temperature and humidity of the atmosphere upon the hygroscopic moisture ? II. DETERMINATION OF THE MOISTURE IN FIELD SOILS Collect samples in the field from the first, second and third foot of soil under different crop conditions, such as sod land, plowed field and fallow. The samples should come from as small an area as possible in order to have a uniform soil type. Drive the sampler (T) to the proper depth for each foot, lift from the hole and transfer the soil at onqe to THE PHYSICAL PROPERTIES OF SOILS I3 STUDENT'S NOTES AND REPORT 14 THE PHYSICAL PROPERTIES OF SOILS a tight box. Take the samples to the laboratory, weigh each box separately, remove the lid and expose the contents to the air. Weigh at the end of three days W' T* V.\7 STUDENT'S NOTES AND REPORT 3& ri-lE PHYSICAL PROPERTIES OF SOILS FIFTH EXERCISE I. WATER-HOLDING CAPACITY OF SOILS Prepare six perforated bottom brass cylinders (T) by placing a moist disk of muslin in the bottom of each. After weighing fill the cylinders to the mark as follows : Tube No. I — Sand. Tube No. 2 — Mixture, one part sand, one part organic matter. Tube No. 3 — Loam or silt. Tube No. 4— Muck. Tube No. 5— Clay. Tube No. 6 — Loam or silt, not compacted. Compact each tube (except No. 6) on the iron com- pactor by allowing the weight to fall four times from the 6-inch mark after each measure of soil. Weigh and place in a tank in which the water is kept on a level APPARATUS USED TO DETERMINE THE WATER-HOLDING CAPACITY OF SOILS THE PHYSICAL PROPERTIES OF SOILS 39 STUDENT'S NOTES AND REPORT 40 THE PHYSICAL PROPERTIES OF SOILS with the soil in the cylinders and allow to stand until free moisture appears on the surface. Remove from the tank, wipe dry, and weigh immediately. Then place the cylinders on a draining board, under a bell jar (T) and weigh every forty- eight hours for a week. Tabulate the weighings and calculate the per cent of water required to saturate each soil and the per cent of capillary water retained in each after seven days of drainage. Discuss the factors effect- ing the water-holding power of soils. Reference : Burkett, "Soils," pp. 40-42. II. THE DISTRIBUTION OF CAP- ILLARY WATER IN SOIL COL- UMNS. Prepare two 36-inch brass cylinders (T) in the manner described above, using sand in one and loam or silt in the other. At the end of the drainage period make moisture determinations at inter- vals throughout the length of the columns by means of samples taken through the side tubes provided for that purpose. How is the moisture distributed? Explain the cause of the unequal dis- tribution. References : I-Iall, "The Soil," p. 64. u s i •■= ..y BRASS CYLINDER Provided with side tubes for studying the distri- bution of moisture i n vertical columns of soil. King, "Physics of Agriculture," ?' is also used in study p. 114. ing the lateral move- ment of capillary mois- ture. THE PHYSICAL PROPERTIES OF SOILS 4I STUDENT'S NOTES AND REPORT 42 THE PHYSICAL PROPERTIES OF SOILS SIXTH EXERCISE I. FLOW OF AIR THROUGH LABORATORY STOCK SOILS Fill six aspirator tubes (T) with soils from the bins as follows : Tube No. I — Sand. Tube No. 2 — Mixture, three parts sand, one part organic matter. Tube No. 3 — Loam or silt. Tube No. 4— Muck. Tube No. 5— Clay. Tube No. 6 — Mixture, three parts clay, one part organic matter. BOTTLE ASPIRATOR Used in comparing the rate of flow o£ air through different soils Compact each tube on the iron compactor by drop- ping the weight four times from the 6-inch mark after each measure of soil. Connect tube No. i to the as- THE PHYSICAL PROPERTIES OF SOILS 43 STUDENT'S NOTES AND REPORT 44 THE PHYSICAL PROPERTIES OF SOILS pirator bottle, open the stop-cock, and note the time necessary for one liter of water to escape. Repeat with each of the soils, and tabulate the results in liters per hour. Make at least two determinations on each soil. What effect has the texture of the soil and the pres- ence of organic matter upon the rate of aeration? II. FLOW OF AIR THROUGH FIELD SOILS IN PLACE The permeability of undisturbed field soils may be determined with this apparatus in the manner described by King, "Physics of Agriculture," p. 127. The movement of air in field soils in place may be determined also by the Heinrich method, as described by Wiley, "Agricultural Analysis," Vol. I., pp. 163, 164. References : Burkett, "Soils," pp. 95-96. King, "The Soil," p. 239. Hilgard, "Soils," p. 279. THE PHYSICAL PROPERTIES OF SOILS 45 STUDENT'S NOTES AND REPORT 46 THE PHYSICAL PROPERTIES OF SOILS SEVENTH EXERCISE I. CAPILLARY RISE OF MOISTURE IN SOILS Prepare five brass capillary tubes (T) and fill them as follows : Tube No. I — Sand. Tube No. 2 — Mixture, three parts sand, one part organic matter. Tube No. 3 — Loam or silt. Tube No. 4 — Clay. Tube No. 5 — Mixture, three parts clay, one part organic matter. Compact each tube on the spring-board compactor by dropping the weight four times from the lo-inch mark, and weigh. Place the tubes in a rack with the lower ends dipping into a tray of water, the depth of the water being kept at a constant level by means of a siphon flask. Record the height of the rise of water after thirty minutes, one hour, and every twenty-four hours thereafter for seven days. Express the results in tabular form and by means of curves. Discuss the effect of texture and the presence of organic matter upon the capillary rise of moisture. References : Hall, "The Soil," pp. 68 and 94. Hilgard, "Soils," pp. 202-208. II. INTERRUPTION OF THE CAPILLARY RISE OF MOISTURE Fill three brass tubes (T) to the depth of one foot with sandy loam soil, and place them in a rack with THE PHYSICAL PROPERTIES OF SOILS 47 APPARATUS USED TO COMPARE THE CAPILLARY RISE OF MOISTURE IN DIFFERENT SOILS The brass tubes are lined with thin celluloid and have a slit the length of one side. The inverted flask keeps the water in the tray at a con- stant level. 48 THE PHYSICAL PROPERTIES OF SOILS the lower ends dipping into a tray containing one inch of water. After the water has risen to the top of the soil, add to the first about one inch of moist cut straw, and to the second the same quantity of well-rotted organic matted, and to the third nothing. Then add to each tube about six inches of dry soil to represent the furrow slice. Observe the effect of the organic matter upon the capillary rise of moisture, and draw conclusions as to the effect of plowing under heavy top-dressings of manure just before seeding. Reference : Vivian, "First Principles of Soil Fertility," pp. I02 and i68. TttE PHYSICAL PSOPERTIES OF SOlLg 49 STUDENT'S NOTES AND REPORT PLAIN CO-ORDINATE PAPER 50 THE PHYSICAL PROPERTIES OF SOILS EIGHTH EXERCISE CONTINUOUS RISE OF CAPILLARY MOISTURE At the -beginning of the term the instructor will fill twelve long capillary tubes with the following materials : Tube No. I — Clay. Tube No. 2 — Loam or silt. Tube No. 3 — Sandy loam. Tube No. 4— Sand. Tube No. 5 — Muck. Tube No. 6 — Sand, loo to 120 mesh. Tube No. 7 — Sand, 60 to 80 mesh. Tube No. 8 — Sand, 20 to 40 mesh. Tube No. 9 — Mixture, one part clay. one part muck. Tube No. ID — Mixture, one part sand, one part muck. Tube No. II — Mixture, one part clay, one part sand. Tube No. 12 — Mixture, one pai"t loam. one part sand. After filling, these tubes are placed in a rack with their lower ends resting in a tray into which water is admitted to the depth of one inch. The experiment is now ready for observation, and each student in the class is required to make measurements and to record the height of the rise of moisture at stated intervals during the term. Observations should be made every hour during the first day and at daily intervals for the THE PHYSICAL PROPERTIES OF SOILS 5 1 STUDENT'S NOTES AND REPORT 5^ THE PHYSICAL PROPERTIES OF SOILS first week. After the first week the intervals may be lengthened to three days. A short time before the end of the term make a close comparison of the different tubes. Plot a curve show- ing the height of the water at each observation. Dis- cuss the eflfect of texture and the presence of organic matter upon the capillary rise of moisture as shown by the behavior of the soils in these tubes. How do these results compare with those obtained in the preceding exercises ? References : Hilgard, "Soils," pp. 202-207. King, "Physics of Agriculture," pp. 161-165. fvm re^ ^.f 1"^* ''"'''IP 1 id & 1 [BH HHK ^5 miEMi g#B^ ^ff^W^BW WM88 HBSSffi^H WSB^I^S TORSION BALANCE Used for all rough weighings. A chemical balance is used where greater accuracy is required THE PHYSICAL PROPERTIES OF SOILS 5^ STUDENT'S NOTES AND REPORT 54 THE PHYSICAL PROPERTIES OF SOILS NINTH EXERCISE THE LATERAL MOVEMENT OF CAP- ILLARY MOISTURE The forces which produce capillary movement of moisture in soils in the field may act in direct opposi- tion to, or at any angle with the force of gravity. During periods of drought, growing plants may be supplied with water by a vertical movement from the moist sub-soil or by a lateral movement from the ad- jacent surface soil. Prepare the two brass cylinders used in the Fifth Exercise, Part II., by filling one with loam or silt and the other with clay. Make the soils up to 15 or 20 per cent of moisture and pack the cylinders level full by means of a wooden rammer. Cap the lower end, and tie a piece of moist cheese-cloth over the top of each cylinder and place them in a horizontal posi- tion. Weigh at the beginning of the experiment and at twenty-four hour intervals for one week. At the end of the period take samples through the side tubes and determine the per cent of moisture in each. Discuss the results with respect to the total loss of moisture and to its distribution, at the close of the experiment. References : Bureau of Soils, Bulletin No. 10. Bureau of Soils, Bulletin No. 38, THE PHYSICAL PROPERTIES OF SOILS 55 STUDENT'S NOTES AND REPORT fa PLAIN CO-ORDINATE PAPER 56 THE PHYSICAL PROPERTIES OF SOILS TENTH EXERCISE CO-EFFICIENT OF EVAPORATION Prepare four evaporimeters (T) and fill level full with the following soils : EVAPORIMETER Sectional View Evaporimeter No. i — Sand. Evaporimeter No. 2 — Loam or silt. Evaporimeter No. 3 — Muck. Evaporimeter No. 4 — Clay. Fill the water-jackets, and after the water has ap- peared at the surface weigh the entire system. A crystallizing dish having the same amount of exposed surface should be filled with water and weighed at the same time. Expose the surfaces to the air for twenty- four hours, weigh and calculate the rate of evaporation in pounds per acre. Empty the water from the jackets and determine the loss from each surface by evaporation by forty-eight- hour periods for one week. THE PHYSICAL PROPERTIES OF SOILS 57 STUDENT'S NOTES AND BSPORT 58 THE PHYSICAL PROPERTIES OF SOILS EVAPORIMETERS Apparatus used for comparing the loss of moisture from different soils by evaporation Tabulate the results and compare the rate of evapora- tion from the different soils with each other and with that from the water-free surface. Discuss the effect of texture upon the rate of evaporation, and plot curves to represent the rate of evaporation from each soil. References : Burkett, "Soils," p. 166. Fletcher, "Soils," pp. 88, 89. Wiley, "Agricultural Analysis,' Vol. I., pp. 160, 161. THE PHYSICAL PROPERTIES OF SOILS 59 STUDENT'S NOTES AND REPORT PLAIN CO-ORDINATE PAPER 6o THE PHYSICAL PROPERTIES OF SOILS ELEVENTH EXERCISE EFFECT OF MULCHES UPON THE RATE OF EVAPORATION Mulching the soil either by earth mulches (tillage) or by artificial mulches (straw or manure) is the most effective means of conserving soil moisture. Fill five galvanized iron cylinders (T) to within one-half inch of the top with the same soil, compacting uniformly. Fill the water-jackets and apply pressure until the mois- ture appears on the surface of each soil. Remove the water from the jackets and treat the surfaces of the cylinders as follows : 1 MULCH CYLINDER Sectional View No. I — No treatment. No. 2 — Cultivate one inch deep each day. No. 3 — Compact the surface. No. 4 — Remove the surface inch of soil and replace with sand. No. 5 — Remove the surface inch of soil and replace with cut straw. Care must be taken to have the finished surface of the soil in all of the cylinders at exactly the same dis- tance below the rim, and to expose all of the cylinders to the same atmospheric conditions. THE PHYSICAL PROPERTIES OF SOILS 6l STUDENT'S NOTES AND REPORT 62 THE PHYSICAL PROPERTIES OF SOILS n M • i ^ [ * •. . • j ■ ', ' •■! 1 % i ■» : ■ '1 , : ^ i ■ ' i rU^ fc"^ WS ^mw '^SS^^^^^^^^ GALVANIZED IRON CYLINDERS Used in studying the effectiveness of different mulches in conserving soil moisture Weigh and record the loss in weight at forty-eight- hour intervals for one week. Calculate the loss in tons per acre for each treatment, and discuss the relative effectiveness of the different mulches. References : Burkett, "Soils,'.' Chapter XXL King, "The Soil," p. 194. Hall, "The Soil," p. 97. THE PHYSICAL PROPERTIES OF SOILS 63 STUDENT'S NOTES AND REPORT b4 THE PHYSICAL PROPERTIES OF SOILS TWELFTH EXERCISE THE ABSORPTIVE POWER OF SOILS In common with other finely divided substances, soils have the power of absorbing water vapor and other gases from the atmosphere. The hygroscopic capacity of different soils may be compared by exposing them to a saturated atmosphere for a given length of time under standard temperature conditions, and ob- serving the increase in weight. METflOD OF DETERMINATION Weigh out carefully into shallow aluminum trays or pans, 25-gram samples of each of the following soils : Tray No. i — Sand. Tray No. 2 — Loam or silt. Tray No. 3 — ^Clay. Tray No. 4 — Mixture, one part sand, one part organic matter. Tray No. 5 — Mixture, one part loam, one part organic matter. Spread thin in the trays, dry to constant weight, either in a drying oven or over sulphuric acid, cool in a desiccator, and place the trays, with lids off, into a constant temperature chamber in which the air is kept saturated with water vapor. Allow the samples to remain in contact with the saturated atmosphere until a constant weight is obtained. An empty tray should be kept with those containing the soil, and its THE PHYSICAL PROPERTIES OF SOILS 65 STUDENT'S NOTES AND REPORT 66 THE PHYSICAL PROPERTIES OF SOILS increase in weight, deducted from the total increase in the soil trays. CONSTANT TEMPERATURE CHAMBER Used in determining tlie hygrp'scopic capacity of soil. Heat is sup- plied by. means of a coil of fine wire attached td the lighting circuit and coiled around the inner chamber. An air thermometer regulates the temperature automatically. Tabulate the results and express the absorptive capacity of each soil in p-^r cent and as pounds per acre-foot. How is the absorptive capacity eiffected by the tex- ture of the soil and by the presence of organic matter ' References : Hall, "The Soil," p. 8i. King, "The Soil," p. 252. THE PHYSICAL PROPERTIES OF SOILS 6/ STUDENT'S NOTES AND REPORT 68 THE PHYSICAL PROPERTIES OF SOILS THIRTEENTH EXERCISE THE FLOCCULATING EFFECT OF LIME UPON CLAY SOILS The addition of lime to a clay soil produces floccula- tion, or a grouping together of the fine soil grains into granules, which act physically very much as single soil grains. The effect is equivalent to increasing the size of the soil grains and giving to the soil the prop- erties of a much coarser textured material. Fine grained, stiff, clay soils tend to become loose and friable when fjocculation is induced. Flocculation is best shown in a soil suspended in water. Work up in a mortar two lo-gram samples of clay soil and place one in each of two glass cylinders. Fill two-thirds full of distilled water. Leave one cylinder untreated, and to the other add 20 cc. of a saturated solution of lime-water. Shake both for sev- eral minutes and note the formation of floccules in the tube containing lime. Examine some of the suspended material from both cylinders under the microscope. How does lime aid in clearing the solution? What other materials are effective in producing flocculation? Set the cylinders aside and note the time required for each to become clear by settling. Discuss the effect of lime upon the physical character of the soil in the field. References : Burkett, "Soils," Chapter XI. Sing, "The Soil," p. 30. lall, "The Soil," pp. 38-40. THE PHYSICAL PROPERTIES OF SOILS 69 STUDENT'S NOTES AND REPORT 70 THE PHYSICAL PROPERTIES OF SOILS FOURTEENTH EXERCISE THE POWER OF SOILS TO RETAIN FER- TILIZERS APPLIED IN SOLUTION All soils have the power of removing from solution certain salts which may be dissolved in percolating waters. This is accomplished by direct absorption in some cases, while in others it involves a preliminary chemical change. The extent to which different fer- tilizer constituents are retained has a direct bearing upon the theory and practice of manuring. Prepare two glass percolator tubes and place a piece of fine copper gauze in the bottom of each. Make up to about 15 per cent of moisture a sufficient quantity of sandy loam to fill both tubes. Carefully fill both percolators to the same depth, compacting the soil gently and uniformly by means of a wooden rammer. Suspend both percolators, and pour into one a solu- tion of n-ioo sodium phosphate and into the other a solution of n-ioo sodium nitrate, and keep adding the solution until it begins to percolate from the bottom. Collect the filtrates separately and test each for the salts applied and compare with the original solutions. A very rough quantitative test for phosphorus and nitrogen will serve a useful purpose, but if the appara- tus is available exact quantitative determinations should be made on both the original solution and the nitrates. What practical bearing has the experiment upon the time and manner of applying commercial fertilizers to soils iji the field? THE PHYSICAL PROPERTIES OF SOILS 7I STUDENT'S NOTES AND REPORT 72 the physical properties of soils References : Hall, "The Soil," Chap. VIII. Vivian, "First Principles of Soil Fertility," p. 193- Bureau of Soils, Bulletin No. 32. THE PHYSICAL PROPERTIES OF SOILS y^ STUDENT'S NOTES AND REPORT 74 THE PHYSICAL PROPERTIES OF SOILS FIFTEENTH EXERCISE THE SPECIFIC HEAT OF SOILS The specific heat of a body is the ratio between the amount of heat necessary to raise a given weight of the substance one degree, and the amount necessary to raise the temperature of the same weight of water one degree. The specific heat of dry soil is usually be- tween 0.20 and 0.30, but this is greatly modified by the presence of moisture, the wetter the soil the larger the quantity of heat required to raise the temperature a given number of degrees. APPARATUS FOR THE DETERMINATION OF THE SPECIFIC HEAT OF SOILS The apparatus consists of a double-walled cylin- drical heater (A) made of heavy copper, and connected to a steam-system. Extending through the heater is a hollow core (C), open at both ends, but provided with movable covering at either end. The calori- meter consists of a polished brass cup (E) of about 500CC. capacity, supported on corks and insulated from outside influences by means of an air space (F) and an outer jacket (G) of wood and felt. The lid to the outer jacket is also covered with heavy felt and carries a thermometer graduated to tenths of degrees. The calorimeter is mounted on a sliding base, which permits it to be brought under the heater at the proper moment to receive the heated sample. METHOD OF DETERMINATION Determine the specific heat of a sand and of a clay soil, first in the dry state and then in a moist THE PHYSICAL PROPERTIES OF SOILS 75 HEATER i A STIRRER SOIL c vMi^^/m^^/MW^/J^, m ^m CALORII^ElTER iy/xgan^memsai SECTIONAL VIEW OF THE APPARATUS USED IN THE DETERMINATION OF THE SPECIFIC HEAT OF SOILS "Jb THE PHYSICAL PROPERTIES OF SOILS condition. If time will permit study also the effect of organic matter upon the specific heat. The soils are heated in the oven to drive off the hygroscopic moisture, and two 25-gram samples from each are weighed out,* one to be used for the deter- mination of the specific heat of dry soil and the other made up to 15 per cent of moisture for the determina- tion on the moist sample. The sample under consideration is enclosed in a bag of thin oiled paper and suspended, by a fine thread, in the heater near a delicate thermometer. The steam is turned into the jacket, and the soil is left in the heater until a tmiform temperature is reached. This will require from one-half to one hour. Meanwhile the calorimeter (E) is partly filled with water which has stood in the room for a long time and has acquired, as nearly as possible, the room temperature. The quantity of water should be such that the water value of the entire system shall amount to exactly 100 or 150 grams of pure water. A few minutes before the soil is brought into the calorimeter the stirrer should be started, and the ther- mometer read at frequent intervals. If the ther- mometer shows a constant reading the calorimeter is quickly brought under the heater, the sample lowered into it, and the thread cut. The calorimeter is removed as promptly as possible, the lid replaced, and the soil thoroughly incorporated with the water by the stirring apparatus. The thermometer is again read at frequent intervals until the maximum is reached, as indicated by a gradual fall in temperature. The specific heat is calculated by the following formula, in which the loss in heat by the soil is THE PHYSICAL PROPERTIES OF SOILS "J*^ STUDENT'S NOTES AND REPORT 78 THE PHYSICAL PROPERTIES OF SOILS equated against the gain in heat by the water in the calorimeter. mC{t^T)=M{T—T.) or M (T—Tn) Specific heat C= m (ti^T) where m— mass of soil taken. ^=:the temperature of the mass. M^mass of water including water value of the calorimeter. To= the temperature of the mass. calorimeter. T^final temperature of water in the calorimeter. C=specific heat. References : King, "Physics of Agriculture," p. 29 and pp. 215, 216. Wiley, "Agricultural Analysis," Vol. I., pp. lOO-IIO. THE PHYSICAL PROPERTIES OF SOILS 79 STUDENT'S NOTES AND REPORT So THE PHYSICAL PROPERTIES OF SOILS SIXTEENTH EXERCISE MECHANICAL ANALYSIS OF SOILS- BOTTLE METHOD By this method an approximate analysis can be ■ made without the use of a centrifugal machine. The silt and clay groups are estimated together. Duplicate analyses should be made upon prepared stock samples, in order to give the stu- dent practice. As soon as he is familiar with the details of the sepa- ration, field samples should be used. For the method of preparing field samples see the instruc- tions given on page 96. METHOD OF MAKING THE SEPARATIONS Take twenty or thirty grams of dry, pulver- ized, sifted soil; mix thoroughly, and dry in the oven and cool in a desiccator. Weigh out two 5-gram portions. Ignite one of these samples and calculate the loss on ignition. Transfer the other sample to an 8-ounce ^...■U APPARATUS. USED IN THE BOTTLE METHOD OF MECHANICAL ANALYSIS {after Hosier). THE PHYSICAL fROPiiRTIES OP" SOILS 8l STUDENT'S NOTES AND REPORT 82 THE PHYSICAL PROPERTIES OF SOILS Sterilizing bottle (T), add about 150 cc. of distilled water and ten drops of ammonium hydrate to break up flocculation. Place the bottle in the mechan- ical shaker and agitate until, when viewed under the microscope, the soil particles are free from each other and present a clear-cut appearance. Transfer from the shaker-bottle to the apparatus shown on page 80 (T). Adjust this bottle so that the opening into the long tube will be i^ inches from the bottom. Fill to the 3-inch mark by means of a small jet of sufHcient force to thoroughly stir up the contents. Allow the apparatus to stand until a microscopic examination shows that all of the sand grades have settled below the opening of the tube. Blow off into a beaker all of the liquid above the end of the tube, and continue the operation of filling, settling and blowing off until the grades that settle contain no silt or clay. The liquid blown off contains the silt and clay, the amount of which is determined by evaporating to dryness and weighing. No attempt is made at this time to separate the silt from the clay. The decanting process may be continued for the sep- aration of the finest sand grades, or the material may be dried and the separation made by means of a nest of sieves. After the removal of the sands the bottle is used to accomplish the separation of the clay from the silt. Tabulate the results of the analyses. Reference : Bulletin No. 24, Bureau of Soils. THE PHYSICAL PROPERTIES OF SOILS 83 STUDENT'S NOTES AND REPORT 84 THE PHYSICAL PROPERTIES OF SOILS SEVENTEENTH EXERCISE MECHANICAL ANALYSIS OF SOILS— CEN- TRIFUGAL METHOD Make duplicate analyses of sandy loam and of clay soil from the bins. Then, if time will permit, make analyses of samples from the home farm. The method by which the separation is accomplished is as follows : Take twenty to thirty grams of dry, pulverized soil, mix thoroughly and dry in the oven. Cool in a des- iccator, weigh out two S-gram portions, transfer one to an 8-ounce sterilizing bottle and the other to a porcelain dish for ignition. Add to the sample in the sterilizing bottle about 150CC. of distilled water and ten drops of ammonium hydrate to break up flocculation, (For the method of preparing field samples see page 96.) Place the bottle in a mechanical shaker and agitate until, when viewed under the microscope, the soil particles are all free from each other and present a clear-cut appear- ance. Transfer the contents to the centrifugal test- tube by means of a jet of distilled water. The separates to be determined are as follows : Fine gravel 2.0 — i.o mm Coarse sand i.o — 0.5 " Medium sand 0.5 — 0.25 " Fine sand 0.25 — o.i " Very fine sand o.i — 0.05 " Silt . . . ., 0.05 — 0.005 " Clay 0.005 THE PHYSICAL PROPERTIES OF SOILS .85 86 THE PHYSICAL PROPERTIES OF SOILS CLAY SEPARATION Whirl the tubes in the centrifuge about one minute, or until all of the particles larger than clay (0.005 SHAKER USED IN THE PREPARATION OF SOIL SAMPLES FOR MECHANICAL ANALYSIS mm.) have settled. Decant the liquid into a granite saucepan, stir up the soil remaining in the tube by means of a jet of distilled water, and again whirl for THE PHYSICAL PROPERTIES OF SOILS 87 STUDENT'S NOTES AND REPORT »» THE PHYSICAL PROPERTIES OF SOILS the same length of time. Again decant, and continue the process until the water becomes clear. Evaporate the liquid in the saucepan almost to dryness on a hot plate, and transfer the residue to a weighed porcelain dish. Complete the evaporation on a steam bath and dry in the oven, cool in a desiccator and weigh. This weight, less the weight of the dish, gives the amount of clay which should be expressed as per cent of the dry weight of the soil. SILT SEPARATIONS Stir up the soil remaining in the centrifugal tube and allow to stand for about one minute, or until all particles larger than silt (0.05) have settled. Decant the liquid into a saucepan, stir the remaining soil in the tube, and decant as before. Continue decanting at the proper time until the water is again clear. Evaporate the liquid in the saucepan as before, trans- fer the residue to a porcelain dish, dry, weigh, and calculate as in case of the clay. SAND SEPARATIONS Wash the sand remaining in the centrifugal tube into a porcelain dish, evaporate on the steam bath, dry in the oven, and weigh. This weight, less the weight of the dish, represents the total sands. Sift this sand through a nest of sieves provided for the purpose. The material remaining in the first sieve is the fine gravel ; in the second, coarse sand ; in the third, medium sand ; in the fourth, fine sand ; and in the fifth, very fine sand. Carefully transfer each grade of sand sep- arately from the sieve to a dish and weigh. Calculate the per cent of each grade, and tabulate THE PHYSICAL PROPERTIES OF SOILS 89 STUDENT'S NOTES AND REPORT go THE PHYSICAL PROPERTIES OF SOILS the results. Discuss the value of mechanical analysis as an indicator of the adaptability of soils to crops. DETERMINATION OF THE LOSS ON IGNITION Heat the dishes containing the oven-dry samples to dull redness, over a bunsen burner, until all of the organic matter is burned away. Allow to cool, and then moisten the mass with a few drops of ammonium carbonate. Heat slowly to about 150° C, to drive off the excess of ammonia, cool in a desiccator and weigh. The loss in weight of the sample represents the or- ganic matter, volatile salts, and water of combination. References : Burkett, "Soils," pp. 30-33. Bureau of Soils, Bulletin No. 5. Bureau of Soils, Bulletin No. 24. THE PHYSICAL PROPERTIES OF SOILS 91 5 g Ui < W 3 1 ^ 1 io •3 - - - til's SOIL Weight PeVceiit" Weight ■ I-. 5 .5? '5 ■ c ■ OJ :o-. 1, 1 4) 1 C M • 'flj I v. til i s ^ c 92 THE PHYSICAL PROPERTIES OF SOILS EIGHTEENTH EXERCISE CHROMIC ACID METHOD OF DETER- MINING ORGANIC MATTER Many of the physical properties of soils are in- fluenced by the amount of organic matter present. An accurate method for its determination is important, therefore, in the study of the physical properties of soils. The determination of organic matter by dry combus- tion usually gives results that are too high, owing to the fact that combined water is driven off at the high temperature necessary for the complete combustion of the organic matter. The chromic acid, or wet com- bustion, method does not drive off this combined water, hence it is free from this objection. METHOD OF DETERMINATION The apparatus (T) consists of a round-bottomed flask of about 400 cc. capacity in which the combustion is effected. Connected to this flask is a train of ab- sorption bulbs, so arranged that the CO2 produced by the breaking down of the organic matter is absorbed, and may be weighed at the close of the experiment. A carefully weighed sample of soil of about ten grams is brought into the combustion flask, from five to ten grams of pulverized potassium bichromate is added, and the whole thoroughly mixed. The flask is closed, and a gentle stream of air is drawn through the entire system by means of an aspirator. After about ten minutes, concentrated sulphuric acid (sp. gr. ^bout 1.83) is added by means of a dropping funnel. The combustion flask is slowly heated until the acid begins to give off fumes. It is held at this temperature THE PHYSICAL PROPERTIES OF SOILS 93 STUDENT'S NOTES AND REPORT 94 THE PHYSICAL PROPERTIES OF SOILS for about ten minutes or until the combustion of the organic matter is complete, and then allowed to cool. Care must be taken that a steady stream of air is kept passing through the system. The amount of CO2 given off is determined by weighing the potash absorption bulb, and its acid guard bulb, at the beginning, and again at the close of the experiment. In calculating the per cent of organic APPARATUS USED FOR THE DETERMINATION OF THE ORGANIC MATTER IN SOILS BY THE WET-COMBUSTION METHOD (Bulletin No. 24, Bureau of Soils) matter in the soil from the weight of CO2 found, it is necessary to use a conversion factor which, multiplied by the weight of the CO2, gives the weight of the or- ganic matter from which the gas was derived. The factor generally accepted for this purpose is 0.471, based upon the investigations of Wollny and his study of the carbon content of the humus of soils. Certain modifications of the above method are neces- sary when large quantities of chlorides and carbonates are present in the soil. For a full description of the apparatus, and complete details of the method, the student is referred to Bul- letin No. 24, Bureau of Soils. THE PHYSICAL PROPERTIES OF SOILS 95 STUDENT'S NOTES AND REPORT 96 THE PHYSICAL PROPERTIES OF SOILS APPENDIX DIRECTIONS FOR TAKING SOIL SAMPLES In securing samples of soil from the field for analysis or for the determination of moisture content or pore space, great care must be taken to have the SAMPLING APPAEATUS Used for taking samples when a large quantity of soil is desired. The sampling tuhe is 4 inches in diameter and 15 inches long samples represent, as nearly as possible, average field conditions. When taken for laboratory use the sample should be representative of the soil type, or of the field conditions vvhich are under consideration. Soils of glacial origin are quite variable in composi- tion, making it extremely difficult to secure a sample that will accurately represent any definite area or a particular soil type. Soils of residual origin are much less variable in composition. THE PHYSICAL PROPERTIES OF SOILS 97 STUDENT'S NOTES AND REPORT iiimiJHiim. PLAIN CO-ORDINATE PAPER 98 a'HE PHYSICAL PROPERTIES OF SOILS In order to secure a sample that will be representa- tive of a given field or plot it is necessary to drive down a sampling tube in a number of places and com- bine the cores into a composite sample. A moisture determination made in duplicate on this composite sample may be taken to represent the average moisture of the soil over the field under observation. Samples taken for mechanical analysis should be METHOD OF SUB-SAMPLING SOIL BY SUCCESSIVE DIVISIONS OF THE MAIN SAMPLE dried, thoroughly mixed, and the lumps broken with a rolling-pin. They should then be passed through a 2 mm. sieve to remove the gravel and sticks. The portion of the sample passing through the sieve is spread out on a piece of heavy paper and thoroughly mixed with a large spatula. The sample is then divided into four parts and one portion is again thoroughly mixed. A twenty or thirty gram sample is taken from this fine material, dried in the oven and used for the analysis. The method of taking the sample and its subsequent treatment will vary with the purpose for which the sample is taken. the physical properties of soils 99 References : Stevenson & Schaub, "Soil Physics Laboratory Guide." Bulletin No. i6, Bureau of Soils, pp. 13-15. Bulletin No. 24, Bureau of Soils, p. 9. STANDARDIZATION OF THE EYE-PIECE MICROMETER The microscope used in the mechanical analysis of soils must be provided with an eye-piece micrometer for measuring the diameter of the soil grains com- posing the different separates. The value of the di- visions on this eye-piece micrometer will vary with the different magnifying powers of the microscope. It becomes necessary, therefore, to determine the value of the divisions in the eye-piece by comparison with a standard of known value placed on the stage of the microscope. This is done by comparing the eye-piece with a stage micrometer of known value, and com- puting the value of one division on the eye-piece mi- crometer for each optical combination. When this is known, the number of spaces which the soil particles must cover to belong to a given grade is determined by dividing the diameter of the particles by the value of one space. Each student is required to make a standardization and compute the value of the divisions of the eye-piece for all of the combinations of the microscope used in the laboratory. The results must be tabulated and kept in this book for reference. lOO THE PHYSICAL PROPERTIES OF SOILS TABLE OF DATA I cc. of water = i gram. I cu. ft. of water = 62.25 lbs. avoirdupois. I gram = 0.0022 lbs. avoirdupois. I cc. = 0.061 cu. in. I gal. =: 231 cu. in. I oz. avoirdupois = 28.35 grams. I kilogram = 2.20 lbs. avoirdupois. I inch =^ 25.4 mm. INDEX Air in field soils Analysis of soils Capillary water, its distribution rise of moisture . rise of moisture interrupted moisture, continuous rise . moisture, lateral , u/ement Clay separation Fertilizers retained in soils Flow of air in soils Hygroscopic moisture in the field Laboratory desk outfit . Lime flocculates soils Lime and clay soils . . Mechanical analysis of soils bottle method . centrifugal method . Mulches, effect of, on evaporation Evaporation controlled by Absorptive power of Organic matter Report on . . Determination of . . Percolation of water Pore space, determination of Calculation of Physical properties of soils Sand Silt . .... Soil samples Directions for taking Apparatus for sampling . Eye-piece micrometer . 44 80 40 46 46 SO 54 86 70 42 ID 12 3 68 68 6 80 84 60 60 64 90 91 92 32 26 28 88 96 96 96 99 I02 INDEX PAGE Specific gravity i° Calculation of ,•. • i8 Method of determination li • i8 Specific heat . 74 in soils 7A Determination of 74 Stock soils f • • S Volume weight ^^ Calculation of . - ■ 26 Method to determine 22 Water-holding capacity 3° Apparatus to determine 38 STANDARD BOOKS PUBLISHED BY ORANGE JUDD COMPANY NEW YORK CHICAGO Ashland Building People's Gas Building 31S-321 Fourth Avenue ISO Michigan Avenue Any of these hooks will be sent by mail, postpaid, to any part of the world, on receipt of catalog price. 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