Envirothon Soil Resource Materials 2004

Included: • Their place in major nutrient cycles • Their relationship to success ional stages • Soil-plant interactions-nutrient transfer, pH, decomposition/organic matter, erosion preve

2004 WEST VIRGINIA ENVIROTION SOIL OBJECTIVES

Understand the basic interrelationship between soil and the other components of

an ecosystem

Included:

• Their place in major nutrient cycles

• Their relationship to success ional stages

• Soil-plant interactions-nutrient transfer, pH, decomposition/organic matter, erosion prevention, fertility/productivity, soil as a matrix/mechanical support

• Soil-water interactions-filtration, eluviation/illuviation, holding capacity, erosion effects, wetlands, including definition of Hydric soils, water table, Aquifer recharge

Describe/Lists the processes necessary for soil formation (soil forming factors)

Categorize the major components of soil (air, water, minerals, and organic

matter)

• List and describe the soil Textural classes like loam or silt loam or particle size classes like sand, silt, and clay

• Instruct in the use of the soil triangle

Define and provide application for major soil properties such as:

• Color

• Permeability

• Consistence

• Structure

• pH

Illustrate, list characteristics of, and provide information to assist in differentiation

of soil horizons

Create a basic understanding of the operation of the system and instruct as to its application

7. Soil Survey:

Describe the history, status, and current applications of the survey

Create a familiarity with the soil survey document itself in order to allow effective use

• Instill a basic working knowledge of the information it can and cannot provide

• Build an ability to read and work with aerial photos and maps

• Describe the Geographical database and illustrate its usage/application

Provide a succinct listing of applicable terminology used in soil science and agriculture

Define the concerns and describe why it is a problem, how it can be identified, what causes it, and what can be done to alleviate it Concerns might include compaction, erosion, and sediment deposition Identification of specific best management practices appropriate to each concern

10. Soil Quality:

Provide information and delineation on soil quality indicators such as aggregate stability, organic matter, crusts, and infiltration

• Use of the “tools of the trade” – Clinometers, augers, color charts, test kits, and meters

• Familiarity with soil judging/soil pits

• Determination of soil texture by ribboning or use of particle screens

• Have a knowledge of what soil horizons are and be able to identify major horizons like A, B, C and R horizons

• Understand what soil structure is and know what the importance role soil structure plays in the dynamics of a natural soil

• Ability to quickly and effectively locate needed information in a soil survey report

• Basic ability to determine land use class

• Identification of wetland indicators

ENVIROTHON SOIL RESOURCE MATERIALS

The following Web sites contain various materials about our Natural Soil Resource Most of these sites are not specific to West Virginia or the Envirothon competition but general in nature, for specific information you will need to consult your local Soil Survey Report The Envirothon Soil Objective that each of these web sites have information about is listed at the end of each site name, some of the web sites will cover more than one Soil Objective We have only listed each web site one time, however one web site may have information about 80% of the Soil Objectives The objective of the Envirothon

is to develop an appreciation and an understanding of our Soil as an important natural resource

Basic Soil Information

• S K Worm http://www.nrcs.usda.gov/feature/education/squirm/skworm.html (1)

• From the Surface Down

ftp://ftp-fc.sc.egov.usda.gov/NJ/technical_resources/soils/surfacedown.pdf

•

Manuals used for basic values in FFA & 4-H Landjudging competition (like soil

depth, permeability, slope ranges, & land use capability classes)

• WV Landjudging Manual (WVU) http://www.wvu.edu/

%7Eagexten/landrec/judging/index.html (4,6,11)

• Oklahoma Landjudging Manual

http://www.landjudging.com/a2001/table_of_contents.htm (4,6,11)

Soil Quality

• Soil Quality Information Sheets Soil Quality Information Sheets

http://soils.usda.gov/sqi/soil_quality/what_is/sqiinfo.html (10)

• Soil Biology Primer

http://soils.usda.gov/sqi/soil_quality/soil_biology/soil_biology_primer.html (1,10)

Wetlands (This section describes the properties of a wetlands and the difference

between a hydric soils and a non-hydric soil)

• Wetlands Delineation Manual http://www.wetlands.com/regs/tlpge02e.htm (11)

• Field Indicators of Hydric Soils http://www.epa.gov/reg3esd1/hydricsoils/index.htm (11)

• Wetland Science Institute http://www.pwrc.usgs.gov/wli/wetdel.htm (8,11)

• Hydric Soils of West Virginia by County****

Soil Survey Report (These sites talk about soil surveys their value, typical soil profiles

and many of the words and meanings as used in Soil Science)

• Soil Survey: Fact Sheet http://www.SWCS.ORG/t_resources_survey_fact.htm (7)

• West Virginia State Soil http://www.wvapss.org/statesoil.html (5,7)

• The Dirt on the Soil http://school.discovery.com/schooladventures/soil/index.html (1,8)

• Soils (Education) http://soils.usda.gov/education/resources/ (2,7,8)

• Soil Survey Reports can be picked up at your local NRCS ** (1,4,5,6,7,8)

Soil Color Chart

Double Click on How to Use the Munsell Color Chart

Soil Properties and Demonstrations in Soil Science

• West Texas A&M University (Demonstrations in Soil Science)

http://www.wtamu.edu/~crobinson/DrDirt.htm (4,11)

• Dr Soil http://ltpwww.gsfc.nasa.gov/globe/drsoil/drsoil.htm (1,2,3,11)

• Soil Textural Flow Chart (11)

• Soil Trunks are available at your local Conservation District Office*** (11)

• Soil Formation and Classification

• Urban Soils http://soils.usda.gov/use/urban/index.html

• Urban Technical Notes –

Note 1: Erosion and Sedimentation on Construction Sites

Note 2: Urban Soil Compaction

Note 3: Heavy metal Soil Contamination

http://soils.usda.gov/sqi/soil_quality/land_management/urban.html (9)

Environmental Concerns (These sites deal with Soils and problems that occur in the

Environment, like point source and non-point source contaminates and erosion

-• NRCS Brochure "Soil Erosion By Water" (9)

• NRCS Brochure "Nutrient and Sediment Control System" (9)

• Sample Test Questions *

The information found in these web sites would help you appreciate the field of Soil Science and the complexity and the many interactions that do occur in the soil We do not expect you to understand all of the terms and procedures involved in the scientific study of our Soil We do expect each team to have a basic understanding of Soil

Science and be able to apply this understanding in some basic field exercises We also expect each team to understand the role of the Soil in the Ecosystem and how we depend on Soil in our Environment During the contest we will supply each team with resource material to use during the contest, like a copy of the Soil Survey Report,

maybe a pH kit or Munsell soil color book, tape measure, water bottle, various charts or tables to help you answer certain questions

** Most Teams already have a copy of the Lewis County Soil Survey Report, if not you should request a copy

*** The Envirothon Soil Trunks are available at your local Conservation District Office The Trunks contain educational materials and various tools like Munsell Soil Color Chart that will help your team prepare for the contest The Soil Trunks can be checked out for

up to 7 days for your use in preparing for the contest Each Soil Trunk has a 2002 WV Envirothon Video, pH Test Kit, Soil Survey Reports for the Conservation District, Sand Grain sizing folder, MC-2D Navigator (can be used to measure slope), Munsell Soil Color Charts, 36" Soil Tube, Pocket Magnifier and Soils Resource Study Packet

HYDRIC SOILS OF WEST VIRGINIA BY COUNTY****

BARBOUR (WV001)

Map Unit Symbol Component Name

At Atkins

BrB Brinkerton

BsB Brinkerton

Ma Melvin

BERKELEY (WV003)

At Atkins

Dz Dunning

Fa Fairplay

CABELL (WV011)

Cm Melvin

Me Melvin

DODDRIDGE (WV017)

Me Melvin

GREENBRIER (WV025)

AnB Andover

AnB Nolo

At Atkins

Ay Atkins

Pu Purdy

JEFFERSON (WV037)

Me Melvin

KANAWHA (WV039)

FL Fluvaquents

LEWIS (WV041)

Lh Holly

LINCOLN (WV043)

MARSHALL (WV051)

Mb Melvin

Ra Robertsville

MONROE (WV063)

At Atkins

Mb Melvin

Ro Robertsville

NICHOLAS (WV067)

Ed Elkins

Ep Elkins

Pu Purdy

PENDLETON (WV071)

Du Dunning

Pu Purdy TrC Trussel TsC Trussel

POCAHONTAS (WV075)

At Atkins

Ho Holly

Mh Medihemists

Pu Purdy

TrC Trussel

Uf Fluvaquents

PRESTON (WV077)

Aa Atkins

Ab Atkins

Bk Brinkerton

Bm Brinkerton

Bn Brinkerton

Ea Elkins

La Lickdale

Lb Lickdale

Mc Melvin

PUTNAM (WV079)

Me Melvin

Mf Melvin

RITCHIE (WV085)

Me Melvin

UPSHUR (WV097)

Oh Holly

WAYNE (WV099)

Me Melvin

WEBSTER (WV101)

At Atkins

Ek Elkins

WYOMING (WV109)

Ho Holly

JACKSON AND MASON (WV600)

ChA Ginat

GsA Ginal

MeA Melvin

MfA Melvin

PuA Purdy

WOOD AND WIRT (WV601)

Gn Ginat

Ml Melvin

TUCKER AND NORTHERN RANDOLPH (WV602)

At Atkins

Bo Blago

Bp Blago

BrA Brinkerton

BrB Brinkerton

BrC Brinkerton

BsC Brinkerton

BsC Nolo

LdA Lickdale

LsA Lickdale

NoA Nolo

NoB Nolo

Pu Purdy

Vb Brinkerton

Vb Lickdale

TUCKER AND NORTHERN RANDOLPH (WV602) CONTINUED

VwB Nolo

RANDOLPH, MAIN PART (WV603)

At Atkins

Bo Blago

Pn Atkins

Py Purdy

BROOKE, HANCOCK, AND OHIO (WV604)

At Atkins

Du Dunning

FAYETTE AND RALEIGH (WV605)

At Atkins

Br Brinkerton

Lc Lickdale

HAMPSHIRE, MINERAL AND MORGAN (WV607)

ArB Andover

ArB Brinkerton

At Atkins

Ay Atkins

BsB Brinkerton

Du Dunning

FA Fluvaquents

Me Melvin

Pu Purdy

HARRISON AND TAYLOR (WV610)

At Atkins

Me Melvin

MARION AND MONONGALIA (WV611)

Ho Holly

PLEASANTS AND TYLER (WV612)

Me Melvin

MERCER AND SUMMERS (WV613)

At Atkins

CALHOUN AND ROANE (WV624)

Sm Melvin

GRANT AND HARDY (WV628)

Du Dunning

Lm Lickdale

Me Melvin

Pu Purdy

* WV ENVIROTHON - SOILS TEST

(Examples of Test Questions) (The test usually has 25 Questions worth 4 points each)

LANDSCAPE

1 What is this Landscape Position (4 points)

a Old Alluvial Stream Terrace

b Floodplain

SOIL PROFILE FEATURES

2 What best describes the Top Soil Structure (Soil Peds) (4 points)

a Platy (in plate like layers)

b Granular (rounded with slightly curved surfaces)

c Blocky either angular or subangular (ped faces flattened breaking on right or

nearly right angles)

3 What kind of Parent Material did this soil develop from (4 points)?

a Alluvial Sediments

b Glacial Till or outwash

c Residuum – weathered bedrock

d Colluvial Sediments

4 What is the pH of the Subsoil at a depth of 30 inches (closest range using the field

pH kit) (4 points)

a 4.0 to 5.0 pH

b 5.1 to 6.0 pH

c 6.1 to 7.0 pH

a 7.1 to 8.0 pH

5 What is the Soil Drainage Class (Depth to Gray Mottles) (4 points)

a Well Drained (no mottles above 36 inches)

b Moderately Well Drained (no mottles or redoximorphic features above 16 inches)

c Somewhat Poorly Drained (no mottles or redoximorphic features above 8 inches)

d Poorly Drained (mottles or redoximorphic features in topsoil or surface 8 inches)

GENERAL SOILS

6 What is the Soil Texture of the unknown Soil -A (Use the Flow diagram for

estimating soil texture by feel and if needed use the Texture Classification Triangle Chart) (4 points)

a Silt Loam

b Sand

c Clay

d Sandy Loam

7 What is the major cause of the Sheet and/or Rill Erosion in West Virginia (4 points)

a Wind

b Water

c Ground Hogs

d Colluvium

LEWIS COUNTY SOIL SURVEY REPORT

8 Which of these soils/map unit have an occasional Flood Hazard (check tables) (4 points)

a Chagrin (Cn)

b Hackers (Ha)

c Monongahela (MoB)

d Bethesda (BrE)

9 If you were going to build a house\dwelling without a basement, which of these soil map units would have the least limitations? (4 points)

a MoB

b Po

c VaD

d GDF