Living LandscapesDESIGN
Module 10 / 25
Your observations of landform and water lead into the soil itself. The first readings distinguish soil’s living processes from its texture and structure, giving you several ways to interpret what you find beneath the surface.
The soil resources and illustrated jar-test procedure prepare you to compare samples from two locations on your site. You’ll relate that comparison to drainage, aggregation, and rooting, then explore soil care through sheet mulching or composting. Keep the sample locations in mind as you consider what different parts of the site need.
What you’ll learn
Use your own copy, buy the book, or borrow it through a library when possible. If you are local to me, contact me about borrowing a copy. You can also contact me for information about digital or other access to assigned readings.
If your edition uses different page numbers, contact me and we can match the correct section.
For articles, excerpts, videos, and other resources, use the links in the lesson. If a video player does not load, try its source link. If you cannot access a reading or media resource, or it has no link, contact me with the module number and resource title.
Ask about books, readings or media access ↗Book reading
Dave Jacke and Eric Toensmeier
The food-web selection in Module 3 used Pages 142 to 146. Apply the assigned Pages 141 to 151 here to the relationships among soil organisms and the resources they depend on.
Pages 141 to 151: Soil biology and function
Book access & editionsBook reading
Dave Jacke and Eric Toensmeier
Pages 216 to 219: soil texture, structure, and restrictive layers
Book access & editionsWatch
YouTube
Relate this perspective to the book readings on soil life, texture, and structure before examining your own samples.
If the player does not load, use the source link.
Read · Course file
Course reading
Use this reading to establish the soil concepts you will apply when describing the two sample locations.
Open resourceRead · Course file
Course reading
Read this before interpreting the jar test, with attention to the distinctions among the mineral particle sizes.
Open resource
Open full-size image
A ribbon of moist soil is measured after being pressed between the fingers. The reading uses its length and feel to help assess texture, giving you a tactile comparison with the jar’s settling layers.
Optional · Watch
symphonyofthesoil.com
This optional film offers more time with the subject of soil. Connect what you watch with the soil biology and field observations in the main lesson.
Open resourceTexture describes the proportions of mineral particle sizes; structure describes how particles are arranged. Neither a dark colour nor a jar’s sediment layers establishes fertility or food-growing safety. Combine the two-site jar activity with observations of drainage, aggregation, and rooting, using the same field notes.
Read
hgic.clemson.edu
Use this illustrated procedure and texture triangle with the soil activity. Where layers are indistinct, report uncertainty rather than forcing percentages.
Open resourceUse Clemson Extension's jar-test procedure for each of your two samples from different locations on the design site. Follow its preparation and timed settling steps, mark both sampling locations on your map, and keep the observations in the same soil record.
Compare the two sample locations using the texture estimates and your observations of drainage, aggregation, and rooting.
If your jar test is 20% clay, 40% Silt, 40% sand = Loam.
30% clay, 60% silt, 10% sand = Silty Clay Loam
15% clay, 20% silt, 65% sand = Sandy Loam
15% clay, 65% silt, 20% sand = Silty Loam
Use the linked soil texture triangle to estimate the soil class. Where layers are unclear, record that limitation rather than forcing percentages. This is a texture estimate, not a fertility or contamination test.
Try sheet mulching or build a compost pile, or observe a demonstration of either activity. Take notes on the process and what you observe, and send them to me with your soil-test notes. Demonstrations may also take place during an apprenticeship with me.
Save written notes as a document or PDF. For paper maps or handwritten notes, use a clear photo or scan. You can combine related work in one file.
Attach your soil-test notes and completed practical-activity notes.
Email the address listed under “Get In Touch” on my contact page. Do not use the contact form. Include the Permaculture Design Course, Module 10, and “Soil observations and practical work” in your subject or message.
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