Organic And Biological Differences In Soils

This research examines variations in organic matter and biological activity in soil beneath the ground through prairie and woodland areas in an urban nature center. If the prairie soil receives a greater amount of direct sunlight and rain than the woodland soil, it could exhibit more biological activity and have more organic matter. Biological activity was measured through a soil respiration test, which measures carbon dioxide produced in a given time period. For the soil respiration test, 7-inch diameter rings are driven into the soil. The ring is sealed with a lid containing rubber stoppers, connected to syringes and plastic tubes. Carbon dioxide, produced by biological respiration, was collected and measured using a Draeger tube. Organic matter was measured using a furnace to ash the samples and determine total soil organic matter content. Differences expected between the soils are that soil in the woodlands should have lower biological activity, compared to soil in the prairie.