I am pleased to introduce you to Ben Marshall. He is a Soil Scientist and he works for the United States Department of Agriculture. His job, along with other Soil Scientists like him is to make a detailed study of the soils of this great nation of ours. The intention is to provide information to those who want to use the land for farming (Proverbs 31:16) or to build things (Matthew 7: 24-27). The information they provide helps people make informed land use management decisions. This survey was begun in the 1930's. I failed to ask Ben when the survey would be completed.
Ben and his associates are currently gleaning most of their information from roadsides around our home town. I invited Ben to take samples from our yard because I was interested in what he could teach the Hectors about the unusual formations that exist behind the house. He told us that the stair-stepped mountains encircling us are called the Mehrten Formation. It was an andesitic mud flow that was created by a volcano somewhere near Sonora. Fascinating!!!Ben has chosen a spot under the Indian Head to take a soil sample. Can you see the house in the background?
Ben #1 has dug down to bedrock while Ben #2 watches intently. Bedrock isn't very far down around here.
Ben sifts a sample of the soil to determine its gravel content.
The sifted soil is then wetted to produce a mud ball. Ben #1's experienced hands can assess the mud ball to determine the ratios of sand, silt and clay. The mud ball is compared to a color chart.
Ben repeats these steps for every horizon in the soil layer. The horizon at 11 cm is hard to see in this photo, but the one at 23 cm is more obvious. Bedrock is at 53 cm.
pH is tested and everything is documented on the green sheet.
Ben #2 has been employed to take a sample of each soil horizon.
The samples are kept in a box and stored for potential future examination. Ben says that there are a LOT of these boxes in storage. He has determined that our soil is Ultic Haploxeralfs.Thank you, Ben Marshall for sharing what you know with the Hectors!!!
It is my intention to post ancient photos of Ben #2 here tomorrow. A lot depends on how my workday goes. Stay tuned!!
be safe,
Hec @ 19
5 comments:
I remember when Ben did a soil project WAY back when. I always thought he was going to be a geologist.
what a great learning experience!
Ben #1 has a cool hat...looks like Ben #2 is going for the cool scruffy look. :) *laughs* This time there's a picture too! :)
I see the house! And I see very brown grass too... Tell me again, how long is it like that?
Were the other Hectors out there? This just goes to prove that homeschooling is the best way to go! :)
See y'all soon!!!
Grrr...why do I always remember things I wanted to say after I've published the comment?!?!
There is a certain someone who is looking forward to seeing ancient pictures of Ben, who is, of course, ancient. :)
Ben #2 got a haircut last night!!(said in a very sing-song voice)
Ben #1 gave an overview of what he does and showed us all a lot of maps of our area. Interesting. Only DH & BFH opted for the hike - others are doing extra school to be less busy next week.:)
We had real rain the other day, so we may see little green shoots of grass coming up soon.
I remember Ben's soil project. We have pics somewhere.
Fun post DH.
LY, JB (who's looking forward to company!)
Post a Comment