Practical 3: Determining how much water there is in soil (Water Retention Capacity)

Soil water retention capacity is the ability of soil to retain water. All soil types retain water. All soil types retain water differently and this affects the type of vegetation that grows in that soil. A soil that drains water quickly is essentially not good for vegetation that needs a lot of water, alternatively a soil that retains too much water can become what is known as waterlogged and can have detrimental effects on some vegetation types.

Loam Soil (left)

Mass of crucible:12.8g

1st reading of mass of crucible and damp soil before heating: 19.1g

2nd reading of mass of crucible and soil after heating: 17.2g

Mass of water in the soil= 19.1-17.2

                                      = 1.9g

Sand soil (right)

Mass of crucible:12.5g

1st reading of mass of crucible and damp soil before heating: 19.2g

2nd reading of mass of crucible and soil after heating: 17.7g

Mass of water in the soil=19.2-17.7

                                      = 1.5

Conclusion

Loamy soil has slightly more water retention than sandy soil                                       

Practical 2: Soil Classification and Texture

Soil Classification and Texture

Soil is not a very important abiotic factor affecting ecosystems but knowledge of soil types and their properties is important for farmers and gardeners

Sandy soil (top)
Particles are small and texture is coarse and gritty when rubbed between fingers.
particles are loosely arranged.
Soil is well aerated

Loam soil (middle)
Particles are different sizes.
Contains humus and dead organic matter.
Texture varies from clay to coarse sandy particles.
Sandy and loam can be well aerated.
Loam with a lot of silt can have a soapy feel.

Clay (bottom)
Particles are very fine.
Dense heavy soil.
When moist can be rolled into a sausage

Conclusion
Loamy soil is best because it is well aerated and it contains organic matter which contains nutrients and absorbs water well when flowing through.

Practical 1: Soil Composition

Soil composition

Loamy soil is made up of a mixture of different types of soil particles. It may be important for some farmers to and gardeners to know the exact percentage composition of each of these particles in a sample of soil.

This is a picture of the soil composition after a few days left to still.

Our results
Sand layer thickness: 1.9 cm
Clay layer thickness: 0.21cm
Silt layer thickness: 0.11cm

Conclusion
The composition of the soil is fairly widely spread out and there is a clear layer of silt that lyes above the clay.

A little more info about us...

We are a group of three people in grade nine at Bishops Collage. We are striving to design and make a vertical window farm that can be used to increase peoples food security. Our group consists of Sebastian Cullum, Liam Pargiter and Caleb Inkster. 

For more information please email me @ scullum@bishops.org.za

Design of window farm

We wanted this to be our initial design but without the light bulbs because we will be provided with light, the sun, and also only one column because there is a confined space on the window that we will be able to hang our vertical farm from.

My reflection

I think that the members of my group and have done well with teamwork and effort when putting time into this project. My reflection on my two partners is extremely positive.

The inspiration of the design of my window farm

I decided to design my window farm so that i can give it to my domestic household worker so she can use it in her house and make it more convenient for her not to have to go the shops and waste money, she could just grow it herself.

Key points about guest lecture at Bishops about vertical window farms

  Owns a vertical garden at the western hotel

Did zoology became hooked on food

 Teaches at school with herb ology

Head of herb society

Manufactures vertical panels for putting up vertical gardens

Vertical gardening used for small places

Easier to use than planting and growing normal way

Can suspend on wall or window

Fewer pests because of less surface area

Easier to handle than regular gardens

Panels are made of geotextile from recycled PT bottles punched and woven into large textile for industrial purposes

Drip irrigation is used

Water is recycled but fewer nutrients at bottom

Fish water can be used

Any plant can be used

Start small when planting

Remember about seasonal plants

Veg can be grown with herbs

Basil theme coriander

Seasons don really matter because there is a constant temperature inside

Hydroponics can be used in place of soil

Soil is heavy and can be lightened with coco fiber/peat

Wind will break tomato stems and chili grows vertically

Roots grow in the dark

Basil spinach soft leafy herbs will grow well

It cools down, gives off oxygen and is nice to look at

Gives good better taste

1/3 soil 2/3 coco and can use cotton

In soil are fungi that are absorbed from, nutrients from the roots of plant

How window farms increase food security

Window farms are simple and inexpensive, they can be used to grow certain food to match peoples dilatational or religious needs. Disabled people can use them because they are easy to maintain and to handle. The window farms can grow in small apartment windows, making it easier for people to find space. They are good for the environment because they mainly consist of recycled plastic or other objects. Window farms are an easy way to bring food security to your home.

Food Security

Food Security means that all people at all times have physical & economic access to adequate amounts of nutritious, safe, and culturally appropriate foods.

http://www.foodsecuritynews.com/What-is-food-security.htm

Here is a food security info-graphic about how simple it can be to get from food insecurity to food security.