Additional Resources
Contact UsBrandy VanDeWalle
Extension Educator, Fillmore County
402-759-3712
The quality of soil depends upon a variety of factors. NRCS has developed Soil Quality Kit Guides, fact sheets and materials for teachers to integrate into their soils curriculum. In addition, a curriculum has been developed to use in the classroom. These materials were created with funds provided by the Nebraska Environmental Trust. YouTube videos supplement these curricula as well.
Components and Physical Properties of Soil Surface soil particles are held together, or "glued together," by various organic substances to create stable soil aggregates. These soil aggregates make it possible for air and water to move through the soil and during a rainstorm, are harder to wash away.
Lesson Plan on the Physical Properties of Soil PDF and Word | Powerpoint
Lesson Plan on Soil Glue PDF
Video: Soil Glue Demonstration
Plant & Soil Sciences eLibrary: Physical Properties of Soil | Quiz
Soil Organic Matter
Soil organic matter is the most important soil attribute you can manage to improve soil health. It consists of small plant residues and living organisms, decomposing organic matter, and stable organic matter (humus) and serves as a reservoir for crop nutrients.
Lesson Plan PDF and Word | Powerpoint
Plant & Soil Sciences eLibrary: Soil Organic Matter | Quiz
Using the Soil Textural Triangle
Soil texture plays a large role in crop production. Learn how to use a simple procedure to identify soil texture using a composite soil sample from the field and what differentiates a sandy or silt loam from a silty clay loam or silty clay and other soil types.
Lesson Plan PDF and Word | Texture by Feel Key
Video: Texture by Feel Procedure
Plant & Soil Sciences eLibrary: Soil Texture
Estimating Soil Moisture by Feel and Appearance
Learn this in-field procedure for determining available soil moisture by the look and feel for various soil types common to Nebraska and the importance of knowing soil moisture to irrigation water management.
Lesson Plan PDF and Word | Powerpoint | NRCS Guide
Video: Estimating Soil Moisture
Related Resource: UNL NebGuide
Plant & Soil Sciences eLibrary: Soil Water
Soil Quality Measurement
Soil quality integrates the physical, chemical, and biological components of soil and their interactions. These resources examine field site or characterization and soil sampling guidelines.
Lesson Plan PDF and Word | Powerpoint
Videos: Soil Sampling & Soil Quality Measurement
NRCS Guide: PDF and Word | Soil Quality Test Bucket Checklist
Plant & Soil Sciences eLibrary: Fundamentals of Soil Testing | Quiz
Soil Bulk Density
Bulk density is an indicator of soil compaction and soil health. It affects infiltration, rooting depth, plant nutrient availability, and soil microorganism activity. Understanding and measuring this soil attribute can guide soil management practices. These resources cover factors affecting the bulk density, soil moisture, and soil density problems.
Lesson Plan: PDF and Word | Powerpoint
NRCS Guide: PDF
Plant & Soil Sciences eLibrary:
Soil Respiration
Soil respiration is a measure of carbon dioxide (CO2) released from the soil when soil organic matter decomposes and when plant roots and soil fauna respire. It is a sign of soil biological activity and an important indicator of soil health.
Lesson Plan: PDF and Word | Powerpoint
Soil Electrical Conductivity
Soil electrical conductivity (EC) is a measure of soil salinity and an important indicator of soil health. Excess salts can hinder plant growth, nutrient availability, and other soil processes and affect soil-water balance.
Lesson Plan: PDF and Word | Powerpoint
Videos: Overview | Test
Soil EC Soil Sample Prep
Soil EC Probe
Test
Soil Web Survey
Soil pH Soil pH is a measure of the acidity or alkalinity of a soil. Consider factors that affect soil pH, soil pH management options, the relationship of pH to soil function and measure the pH in soil.
Lesson Plan: PDF and Word | Powerpoint
Plant & Soil Sciences eLibrary: Soil pH | Quiz
Nitrogen is the most abundant element in the atmosphere and is usually the most limiting crop nutrient. Investigate factors that affect soil nitrogen, nitrogen management, and measure soil nitrate/nitrite.
Lesson Plan: PDF and Word | Powerpoint
Soil Phosphorus
Phosphorus' primary role in a plant is to store and transfer energy produced by photosynthesis for use in growth and reproductive processes. Analyze phosphorus management practices and test soil phosphate.
Lesson Plan: PDF and Word | Powerpoint
Plant & Soil Sciences eLibrary: Phosphorus and Potassium in the Soil
Soil Infiltration
Infiltration refers to the soil's ability to allow water movement into and through the soil profile. Check into management practices that impact infiltration, problems related to infiltration and measure infiltration in soil.
Lesson Plan: PDF and Word | Powerpoint
The Scientific Method
Lesson Plan: PDF and Word