Soil used for analysis was found next to the sidewalk.

General observations of the soil included

it being moist, muddy, and soft. The soil also included the abiotic component rocks and the
biotic components grass and a worm. The dark color of the soil tells that it is fresh with more
organic elements. Due to the soils firm consistency, the soil resists crumbling and it takes
efforts to break it into pieces. In the soil fertility analysis it was found that the soils pH and
potassium levels were average while its nitrogen level was above average and its phosphorus
level below average. The pH tested for 6 while the average is 5.5-7, the nitrogen level tested for
40 while the average is 10-20, the phosphorus level tested for 8 while the average is 20-40, and
the potassium level tested for 160 while the average is 150-250. Based on the Soil Identification
Chart, the soil collected was most similar to that of silty-clay soil. In the soil texture bottle, it is
believed that the percent of both clay and silt equaled 45% and sand equaled 10%. These
percentages were calculated based on sight and the three different categories were able to be
deciphered by their particle size. Sand, with an average size of .05-2mm, was present on the
bottom; silt, with an average size of .002-.05mm, was present in the middle; and clay, with an
average size of less than .002mm, was present on the top. With this information and the usage
of the soil triangle, it can be concluded that the soil collected is silty-clay soil. Based on the
triangle, it is opposite from ideal growing soil which is sandy loam. After the analysis, the soil
used was returned to where it was found.

To start off with, good garden soil has about 45% rock particles, 5% organic matter, 25% water,
and 25% air. Good soil needs to drain freely, have plenty of nutrients, hold moisture, and be
loose enough to dig with little effort. Since the soil found was silty-clay then the clay part of it

can be improved by cultivating it and adding gypsum. The silty part of it can be improved by
building up the soil. This works by adding layer upon layer of organic material, and this is
considered the cheapest option. To continue, over time, plants lose their nutrients so those need
to be replenished and all that needs to be done is to add compost, manure, or mulch. These
materials decompose, and as they decompose they release nutrients into the soil making it
fertile. This process should be conducted once if not more than once a year. Fertilizer can be
used as a energy drink to the plants, used to top their nutrient requirements off. However,
inorganic fertilizers can cause environmental damage if used for long periods of time. The soil
collected had too little phosphorus and that can cause the plants to be stunted, leaves to turn
purple, and flowering and new shoot growth will be delayed. Low levels could also have been a
result of the soil being cold seeing as cold slows down biological activity. The soils pH also
affects how much phosphorus is available. A pH between 6.5 and 6.8 results in the most
available phosphorus. The soil tested had a pH lower than that. The big thing keeping the soil
surrounding BHS from growing prosperous is the phosphorus level. There are phosphorus
fertilizers, but they cant be added blindly each year.