Lab Update 3-15-2011

Sorry it's been a bit since the last post. Since then, we dug a soil pit and measured horizon depths, did field texture analyzes on the separate horizons. Results were similar to what was expected based on the Haywood County Soil Survey.

We discussed and hunted for soil biota, using a berlese funnel to flush soil organisms, mounting slides with a bacterial rinse and observed what was present in the soil using light and compound microscopes. We were able to observe soil bacteria, fungal mycellium and individual fungal hyphae as well as various small insect larvae and small worm-like organisms. Take home message: soil is teeming with life which we cannot see with the naked eye.

Today, we discussed some basic geology, rock formation processes and some of the common types of rock. We handled several common types and learned to recognized some basic characteristics of each as well as discussed some common types of rock found in Haywood county.

The powerpoint presentations from the soil biota lab and the basic geology lab are posted below. Next week, we will take a tour of some sites around Haywood county considering basic geology.