To Study The Water Holding Capacity of different type of soil samples. | Biology Practical Class 12

 To Study The Water Holding Capacity 

Of different Type Of Soil Samples.

Aim:-

To study the water holding capacity of different type of soil samples.

REQUREMENT: -

Different type of soil samples, filter paper, funnels, measuring cylinders, oven, balance, water (Only use distilled water not ordinary tap water).

PROCEDURE:-

1.    Take two funnels, line them with a cone made of filter paper.

2.    Keep these funnels on the cylinders and ad equal weight of soil (100 gm) (different soil to be kept in different funnel).

3.    Pour known volume of water into the soil (50 ml).

4.    Let the water drip and collect in the cylinders.

5.    Measure the amount of water collected in each beaker after half-an-hour.

6.    Note the reading or volume collected.

OBSERVATION:-       

1.    So, it will be observed that the soil samples which are clayey in nature and allow least amount of water to collect in the cylinder, Hence, their water holding capacity is maximum.

2.    Soil samples which are loamy is nature allow moderate amount of water to collect in the beaker.

3.    Whereas, soil samples which are sandy in nature, allow maximum amount of water to collect in the cylinder. Hence, their water holding capacity is minimum.

        So water holding capacity in Sandy Soil < Loamy Soil  < Clayey Soil.

Correlation with the kind of plants which are found in soils with different water holding capacity: 

It has been observed that, in general plants grow better in loamy soil as compared to sandy and clayey soil. Generally Xerophytic plants like cactus grow well in sandy soil. So, the pH and water holding capacity of a soil play an important role in determining the flora and fauna of the area.

CALCULATION:-

Volume of water held = Volume of water poured - Volume of water percolated i.e. x -y.

RESULT:-

Garden soil has a higher water holding capacity than the others. because the roadside and field soil has larger quantities of sand and silt.

PRECAUTION:-

1.    Equal quantity of soil should be take.

2.    Pour water slowly and gently on the soil in the funnel.

3.    Record the volume of collected water in the measuring cylinder carefully.

4.    Employ dry and clean beakers for your experiment.

5.    Use distilled water only (Not ordinary tap water).