HEWLETT-PACKARD

Soils
Sample 3

Emily Gillies
103613374
03-66-232
April 1, 2013

A soil sample was provided at the beginning of the semester to examine the labs using
varying analysis techniques to determine the nature of the sample and classification
within the ASTM classification system.
Lab 1: The Visual and Manual Description and Classification of Soils
Using the American Society for Testing & Materials (ASTM) document and our sieved soil
sample, a variety of descriptive information was obtained through an assortment of tests in order to
determine particular soil properties.

Property Results Description

Angularity Subangular The edges of the particles are distinct but
fairly well-rounded.
Shape N/A The shape could not be determined because
there are no particles larger than sand.
Colour Dark brown
Odor Mildly organic Nothing is unusual pertains to the moistness
of the soil.
Moisture Content Moist Soil is damp but there is no visible water.
HCl Reaction None There was no visible reaction,
Consistency Soft Thumb will penetrate the soil ~1 inch that is
typical for intact, fine-grained soil.
Cementation Weak The soil crumbles with handling or little
finger pressure.
Structure Homogeneous There is a similar or the same colour and
appearance throughout.
Range of Particle Size < 0.425 mm 70% fine sand, 30% slit and clay
Maximum Particle Size Fine Sand 0.074 – 0.425 mm in diameter

Additional procedures were carried out to help identify the nature of our fine-grained soil.

Property Result Description

Dry Strength Very high The dry specimen cannot be broken between the thumb and a hard
surface.
Dilatancy None There was no visible change in the specimen; water did not appear
while shaking.
Toughness Low Only slight pressure is required to roll the thread near the plastic
limit; the threat and lump were soft and weak.
Placticity Low The thread can barely be rolled and the lump cannot be formed
when drier than the plastic limit.

A quantitive soil analysis was used in order to determine the relative amounts of sand, silt, and
clay in the soil sample. In a test tube 15 mL of sample was combined with 1 mL of texture dispersing
reagent and 45 mL of distilled water in order to dilute the sample. The mixture was shaken for two
minutes and left to settle. After 30 seconds, the liquid was poured off and allowed to settle. After 30
minutes the liquid was poured off again, allowed to settle for another 30 minutes and poured off.
To determine the relative amounts of particle range the equation below was used for each
sample left in the tube after the liquid was poured off.

𝑅𝑒𝑎𝑑𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝑜𝑛 𝑇𝑢𝑏𝑒 (𝑚𝐿) × 100

𝑇𝑜𝑡𝑎𝑙 𝑉𝑜𝑙𝑢𝑚𝑒 (𝑚𝐿)
 30 seconds % Sand 10 × 100
= 66.7 %
15
30 minutes % Silt 3 × 100
= 20.0%
15
30 minutes % Clay 2 × 100
= 13.3%
15
According to these proportions, and using the Unified Classification System and its Textural
Classification Chart, our soil sample has been classified as Sandy Loam (USCS, 1997).

The gravimetric soil moisture content was calculated in order to determine the water content in
the soil sample. After the sample was weighed, it was placed in the oven at 105°C overnight and then
weighed again.
Mass od container + wet soil (MCWS) 134.7g
Mass of container + dry soil (MCS) 33.7 g
Mass of empty container (MC) 15.8 g
Mass of water (MW = MCWS - MCS) 7.2 g
Mass of solid particles (MS = MCS - MC) 17.9 g
MW 40.2 %
Moisture Content (w% = MS
× 100)
Therefore, with the moisture content being 40.2% shows that the relative pore spaces within
the soil are small and able to retain more water than a soil with larger pores. This also promotes the
proportions of silt and clay from the previous test of particles sizes, as these particles have micropores
and have an increased ability to hold water.

Lab 2: Grain Size Analysis of Soils Using Mechanical Analyses

In order to obtain accurate proportions of different grain sizes as they are distributed among
size ranges, a sieving apparatus was set up. A 361.2 g air-dried sample of our soil was placed in the
sieves and shaken for 15 minutes. Each sieve was weighed both before and after the soil was
introduced. Percentages of the amount of soil retained at each sieve and the amount of soil passing
each sieve were recorded and the samples in each sieve bagged.

Sieve Number Diameter Mass of Mass of sieve Soil retained Percent Percent
(mm) empty sieve + retained soil (g) retained (%) Passing %)
(g) (g)
4 4.75 596.0 604.9 8.9 2.4 97.6
10 2.0 442.3 450.2 7.9 2.2 95.4
40 0.425 379.2 529.5 150.3 40.8 54.7
100 0.152 346.6 486.5 139.9 37.9 16.8
200 0.075 339.3 386.2 46.9 12.7 4.12
Pan --- 363.0 378.2 15.2 4.12 0
Total Weight 369.1

From this information we can see that the majority of our soil sample falls into the sand particle
size range as ‘fine sand’, 0.0425mm (USCS, 1997). This confirms our earlier assumption from lab 1
stating that the shape cannot be determined because the largest grain size is within the sand range.
As stated above, the original sample size put into the sieve was 361.2 g, but after measurements
of the sieves plus the amount of soil each retained, the total weight was noted as 369.1 g. This is a
weight difference of 7.9 g that could have been due to human error while weighing the sieves, or of the
sieves plus the retained soil. In order to improve the accuracy of weighing the samples in the sieves, one
must be precise when placing the sieve in the middle of the scale to ensure an accurate reading.
Lab 3: Grain Size Analysis of Soils Using Hydrometers
Hydrometer analysis is used for the smaller grain particles than cannot be separated using
sieves. It is based on Stoke’s Law where larger grain sizes will have a greater settling velocity in a fluid as
compared to smaller grains.
Using the pan material sieved in lab 2, distilled water and dispersing agent were added into a
cylinder. A control was used contain the distilled water and dispersing agent in order to obtain a
standard reading of the hydrometer. The cylinder containing the soil sample was mixed for
approximately 5 minutes and then placed in a 1000 mL cylinder and diluted to the 900 ML mark. The
cylinder was then placed in the water bath, taking hydrometer readings at intervals of 1, 2, 5, 8, 15, 30,
60, and 1440 minutes, as well as temperature readings.

Elapsed Time Temperature Actual Hydo. D (mm) % finer (P) % adjusted

(min.) (°C) Reading (Ra) finer (Pa)
1 22 31 0.0457 58.93 2.43
2 22 31 0.0315 58.93 2.43
5 21 29 0.0204 53.82 2.22
8 21 28 0.0163 51.51 2.13
15 21 25 0.0122 44.55 1.84
30 22 23 0.00859 40.37 1.76
60 22 22 0.00613 38.05 1.24
1440 22 12 0.00133 14.85 0.61

From this chart it is easy to see that a majority of the particles settled out within the first 8
minutes of reading the hydrometer. This suggests that the grain sizes from the pan material is on the
larger end of the size range of clays, as these are the one that have a greater settling velocity.
When this hydrometer data is combined with the data from lab 2, it provides information in a
linear form in relation to the size of the particles (diameter) and the relative amount of sample in each
size range (% adjusted finer and % passing combined).

Grain Size Analysis

120

100

80

60
% adjusted finer (Pa)
40

20

0
10 1 0.1 0.01 0.001
 Lab 4: Atterberg Limits
The consistency of the soil depends on the amount of water present, water content. There are
four stages in which consistency lies: liquid, plastic, semi-solid, and solid state. The limits we determined
were the lines between the liquid and plastic states, the liquid limit, and the lines between the plastic
and semi-solid states, the plastic limit.
To determine the liquid limit, dry soil from the No. 40 sieve was used, adding water and placing
it into the liquid limit device. A groove was cut, turning the crank until the two edges of the groove came
into contact. Weighing the dry sample, and the wet sample after the number of turns had been
determined.
To determine the plastic limit, the No. 40 sieve soil was used, mixed with enough water to be
rolled into an ellipsoidal mass 3mm in diameter. This sample was broken apart and kneaded back
together until the soil had begun to crumble. It was weighed, dried, and re-weighed.

Sample Number 1a 1b 1c
Mass of empty container (MC) 17.4 16.8 16.7
Mass of container + dry soil (MCDS) 42.0 39.8 41.1
Mass of container + moist soil 52.8 50.2 52.7
(MCMS)
Mass of dry soil (MS) 24.6 23 24.4
Mass of pore water (MW) 10.8 10.4 11.6
Water content (w%) 43.9 45.2 47.5
Number of drops (N) 33 26 18
Liquid Limit At 25 drops = 45.5

Sample Number 1d
Mc 17.0
MCMS 28.1
MCDS 25.4
MS 8.4
MW 2.7
W 23.1
Plastic Limit 32.1

Liquid Limit
48 Water
Watercontent (%)

content
47
(%)
46
45
44
43
1 10 100
No. of Drops
 Since the Plastic Index equals the liquid limit minus the plastic limit, it equals 13.4. This states
that the liquid limit is greater than the plastic limit, establishing the ability of the soil to hold onto water.
Because of the low plasticity, it suggests that the soil has organic properties. The increase in the liquid
limit causes the dark grey/black colour, and the softness of the soil witnessed in lab 1.

Lab 5: Soil Chemistry

Using the LaMotte soil test kits, we tested the soil for phosphorous, nitrogen, potassium and its pH.
Sample soil from the No. 100 sieve was used for these tests, was placed in test tubes, the appropriate
reaction agents were added for each test, were shaken, and allowed to settle. Using the colour charts
provided, the results were recorded for each test.

The lack of phosphorous and nitrogen pose for problems with the soil, as they are important
constituents for which plants need to survive. The lack of these macronutrients, as stated above, could
have been due to leaching or the harvesting of crops. The pH level indicated is optimal pH for plants and
microbial activity to take place, suggesting an organic soil that is able to retain water and support plant
growth. In relation to the levels of potassium found, the soil is true of its pH characteristics, as many
roots and organic material were found within the soil sample. This also holds responsibility to the water
content, and moisture of our soil, giving it its moist, organic look, feel, and smell.

pH 6.0 The soil has slight to moderate acidity.

Phosphorous Trace amounts Sources can be quickly depleted by continuous cropping if no
form of return is made.
Nitrogen Trace - None Could have been depleted due to crop harvesting, leaching, and
the return of N2 to the atmosphere.
Potassium 8 drops = Very Increases plant resistance to extreme weather and disease, and
high helps the efficiency use of water and the formation of roots and
stems.

Lab 6: Total Organic Carbon

 The measure of the total organic carbon is done by combusting a soil sample in a furnace to
convert the C to CO2 in order to measure the carbon content in the soil sample (White, 2006). This
method is used to quantitatively assess the nature of the sampling location (Schumacher, 2002) whether
it is depositional or residual.
The loss-on-ignition method was used in this lab in order to destruct the organic matter using
heat. A dried sample of soil was weighed and then placed in the oven at 550°C for two hours. The
sample was then cooled down overnight and kept at a constant temperature to ensure no moisture was
reintroduced into the sample. The dried soil was then weighed.
(𝑀𝑐𝑑𝑠 − 𝑀𝑐𝑙𝑜𝑖𝑠 )
𝐿𝑂𝐼 (%) = × 100
(𝑀𝑐𝑙𝑜𝑖𝑠 − 𝑀𝑐 )

Mass of empty crucible (Mc) 15.7 g

Mass of crucible + dry soil (Mcds) 17.9 g
Mass of crucible + loss on ignition soil (Mclois) 17.6 g
Mass of loss on ignition (Mlois) 1.9 g
Mass loss on ignition (Mloi) 0.3 g
LOI = percentage of dry weight lost on ignition (%) 15.789%
Organic matter is known for ability it interact with clay minerals, bind particles together, hold
water, and form water-soluble complexes with metal ions. Therefore, with this method we determined
that the amount of total organic carbon in our soil is approximately 16%. This confirms any assumptions
made in previous labs in relation to organics. In lab 1 we concluded that our sample did contain organics
due to the dark colour, roots and organisms found within, the low plasticity, and the soils ability to
change to a lighter brown/grey colour when exposed to air. In lab 4, the liquid limit was higher than the
plastic limit, assuring that the soil is capable of retaining an efficient amount of water.

Lab 7: X-Ray Diffraction Analysis

XRD is used to determine the crystal structure and chemical composition of any crystalline
material by studying the frequency peaks it produces.
Samples from the No. 40 and 100 sieves were analyzed using the “standard measurement”
program, and then the Crystal Impact Match! Software was used to reference our frequency peaks to
the reference database.

The relative amount of microcline was not available; therefore, any of the following data of the
other possible matches could not be obtained (see table below for data).
A majority of the matches found contained potassium and silicates. Quartz was also found in
both the No. 40 and 100 sieve material, assuring that this is a prominent component in our soil sample.
The prominence of silicates in the sample is confirming to the notion stated earlier about particle sizes,
and that the silicate tetrahedron is a predominant structure among the sand and silt particles. This
allows the ability of cations such as Al3+, Mg2+, K+, and Na+ (as seen in the minerals found in our soil) to
bind to the silicate backbone to form the constituents of sandy silty soil White, 2006). The main minerals
found using XRD contain potassium ions, which correlates with the results in lab 5 that showed very high
levels of potassium.

Sieve No. Start Angle End angle Sampling W. Scan speed Voltage (kV) Amperage (mA)
(°/min)
40 5° 85° 0.05 1.0 30 15
Possible Matches: Amount (%)
Microcline (KAlSi3O8) N/A
Quartz (SiO2)
Muscovite (KAl3(AlSi3O10)(OH)2)
Sieve No.
100
Possible Matches: Amount (%)
Quartz (SiO2) 73.1
Enstatite (MgSiO3) 15.9
Albite (NaAlSi3O8) 11.0

Discussion
Throughout the tests performed, each has provided an increasing amount of information about
the properties and characteristics of our soil sample. These tests, when studied as a whole, have
conveyed information that has confirmed particular characteristics as well as introduce others that may
not have been recognized in the beginning.

Our soil sample (3) was determined to have sand size dominated particles, with silt and some
clay size particles. Because of these smaller pore spaces; water can be retained fairly well, the soil giving
a measurement of 40.2% for its moisture content. This also is proven as the liquid limit is greater than
the plastic limit, showing that the soil is non-plastic (USCS, 1997). When testing the abundance of
macronutrients in the soil, potassium was the only one to show great quantity. The phosphorous and
nitrogen were only found in trace amounts, but could be due to the vast cropping/harvesting in the
region from which the soil was taken. A pH reading of 6.0 supports this theory, but the low amounts of P
and N found in the sample could have adverse effects, as there are important constituents for organic
material decomposition, plant growth and development, as well as being vital for the health of the seeds
and fruits of adult plants (LaMotte, 1994).

The visual and manual descriptions noted at the beginning comments on the colour of the soil,
its odor, and its consistency. All of which support organic material being present in the sample. The
colour was a homogenous sample, with a dark brown colour; the odor was mildly organic with nothing
unusual being noted, and a soft consistency. When tested, the loss-on-ignition was 15.8% being the total
organic carbon in the soil.

Gathering this information and locating it in the Unified Soil Classification table, our soil sample
falls under the group SM as a silty sand, or sand-silt mixture. It is described as a non-plastic fine or fines
with low plasticity.
Works Cited

LaMotte Company. 1994. LaMotte Soil Test Kits. USA.

Raymond, G.P. 1997. Unified Soil Classification System. Geotechnical Engineering.

Schumacher, B.A. 2002. Methods for the determination of the total organic carbon (TOC) in soils
and sediments. NCEA-C-1282. US Environmental Protection Agency.

White, Robert E. 2006. Principles and Practice of Soil Science: The Soils as a Natural Resource.
Blackwell Publishing.