Title: Analysis of Soil Samples for Susceptibility to Dispersion and Tunneling
Abstract:
This experiment aimed to analyze three different soil samples for their susceptibility to dispersion and tunneling. The soil samples were taken from a mine site, tilled soil, and untilled soil. The results showed that the mine site soil sample had the highest susceptibility to dispersion and tunneling, while the untilled soil sample had the lowest. Factors such as soil structure, density, and aggregate size were found to influence the results.
Hypothesis:
If the soil sample is compacted and undisturbed, then it will have low susceptibility to dispersion and tunneling.
Introduction:
Soil dispersion and tunneling can have detrimental effects on soil structure and fertility. Understanding the factors that influence soil susceptibility to these phenomena is important for sustainable land management practices.
Materials:
- Soil samples from mine site, tilled soil, and untilled soil
- Beakers
- Water
- Graduated cylinders
- Balance
- Sieves
- Dispersion test equipment
Methodology:
1. Measure and record the density of each soil sample.
2. Conduct dispersion tests for each soil sample.
3. Record and analyze the results.
Results:
The results showed that the mine site soil sample had a dispersant percentage of 12.40%, the tilled soil sample had a dispersant percentage of 22.22%, and the untilled soil sample had a dispersant percentage of 20.41%.
Discussion:
The results supported the hypothesis that compacted and undisturbed soil samples have lower susceptibility to dispersion and tunneling. Factors such as soil density, structure, and aggregate size influenced the results. The mine site soil sample represented unhealthy soil, while the untilled soil sample represented healthy and stable soil structure due to its compacted nature.
Conclusion:
The experiment successfully analyzed soil samples for their susceptibility to dispersion and tunneling. The results highlighted the importance of soil structure and compaction in preventing soil erosion and degradation.
Recommendation:
Future research could further investigate the effects of different soil management practices on soil susceptibility to dispersion and tunneling. Conducting similar experiments with varying soil conditions and treatments could provide valuable insights for sustainable land management practices.
Some questions to ponder when developing your discussion section of your lab report.
- What do you notice/observe about each soil sample?
- What color is the water in the beaker?Why is this?
- What factors affect how much slaking happen?
Which soil sample would represent healthy soil? Why?
- Which soil sample would represent unhealthy soil? Why?
Which soil sample would represent stable soil structure? Why?
Which soil sample would represent stable soil structure? Why?
- What does dispersion percentage of each soil sample infers?
Which soil samples has the highest and the lowest susceptibility potential of dispersion and tunneling why?
Expected Lab Report Outline
It is recommended that laboratory reports are written and submitted using the outline below.
Title
Abstract
Abstracts are a summary of the experiment as a whole and should familiarize the reader with the purpose of the research.Not all lab reports require an abstract However, they are often included in upper-level lab reports and should be studied carefully
When writing an abstract,try to answer these questions:
Why was the research done or experiment was conducted the aim and objectives?
What problem is being addressed?
What results were found?
What are the key findings?
To answer the question above, here are the hints:
Mine soil sample submerged fast less than 2mm followed by tilled soil and untilled soil slow.
Mine soil sample cloudy white, tilled soil sample cloudy and untilled soil sample clear due to their soil property and structure (color)
The factors affecting soil sample are, Soil size, soil density, Soil aggregate and soil porosity.
The healthy Soil sample is a untilled soil sample because it was compacted and not disturbed.
Unhealthy soil sample is mine site soil sample.
Hypothesis
I would suggest using "if and then" statements when developing your hypothesis. There could be more than hypotheses addressing different aspects of the experiments.
Introduction
Material
Methodology
Result
The results section should include all tabulated data from observations during your experiment. This include charts, tables, graphs, and any other illustrations of data you have collected.Calculations are also included this section.
determining the density of RD = 1584g/cm³ ÷ 1250mL = 1.27cm³
RW = 969.47g/1000ml = 0.97g/cm³
tilled soil dispersant percentage= 22.22%. untilled soil dispersant percentage= 20.41%. mined Soil 12.40%
Discussion
Don't repeat results!
Support or Reject Hypothesis:Begin by stating whether your results supported your hypothesis o to say that you proved anything - you can only support or reject hypotheses .You may a briefly summarize your results.
Interpret and Compare Results:Do your results make sense? Why do you think you found what you did. Compare your results to those of other studies.Do they differ? If so, how and why?Use literature to support your arguments, statements, and generalizations.
Discuss Factors Influencing Results: Were there any anomalies in your data?Discuss any errors inconsistencies, assumptions, or other factors that may have influenced the outcome of your study. Discuss Implications: How do your results contribute to existing knowledge? Why was your study important?
Conclusion
Recommendation
Propose Ideas for Future Experimental Research Work: Did your Experiments generate questions for future experimental research? What is/are the next step(s) in advancing this experiment? If you were to repeat your experiment, would you do anything differently? If there is anything about your experiment that you think could be improved upon,provide suggestions for doing so.
Using the above information provided, write a best and outstanding lab report.
1 answer