MicroWorlds Contents | Advanced Light Source | Berkeley Lab
   
 

Soil Flushing Activity
   
 

Materials

For this activity you will need:

  • 1 large (500-ml), clear plastic container or cup
  • 1 coffee filter
  • 1 rubber band
  • 200 cc of soil
  • 25 cc of salt
  • 250 ml of water

Action

  1. Place the coffee filter in the coffee cup and fold the edge over the rim to form a pocket inside the cup.
  2. Use the rubber band to secure the folded edge of the coffee filter to the cup. Put the soil into the filter.
  3. Mix the salt with the soil.
  4. Slowly pour the water on the soil, wetting it thoroughly, and wait for it to drain down.
  5. When the water has stopped draining, dispose of the wet filter and soil.
  6. Place the cup on a sunny windowsill to allow the water to evaporate.
When the water has evaporated (this will take a few days), what is left behind? Why do you think salt can pass through the filter while most of the soil is left behind? Why did we use a filter in the experiment? Relate this activity to what happens when irrigation water from fields is disposed of in evaporation ponds.


Return to Clue #2.

   
 

MicroWorlds Contents | Registration & Comments

Questions and Support
Privacy and Security Notice