University of Guyana

Faculty of Natural Sciences

Department of Biology

BIO3112: Plant Physiology

Lecturer
Ms. Kimberly Craig

Laboratory Report #2
Soil structure and interactions

Name: Alliah Simon

USI: 1038325
Title: Soil structure and interactions

Aim: To identify soil structure and interactions with plant

Introduction:

Minerals, soil organic matter, living organisms, gas, and water are the five components that make

up soil. Clay, silt, loam, and sand are the four categories of soil minerals; the proportions of these

particles are responsible for the make-up of soil texture. The availability of soil is crucial for

plants since it not only creates the physical setting for their growth but also serves as a vital

source of organic matter, mineral nutrients, and water. Due to the variety of possible interactions

among plant roots and the living and inert components of the soil system, soil characteristics

likely comprise the most complex environmental elements that affect how well plants perform

(BYJUS. n.d.). This report will focus on the soil structure and soil- plant interaction of sandy soil

and the comparison between sandy soil and loam soil.

Method:

1. A garden shovel was used to scoop up a portion of soil from the researcher’s back yard.

2. The portion of soil was examined, and the soil type was determined.

3. A plant that was growing in the soil was observed, and a photograph was taken of it.
Results:

Sandy soil

Image showing soil sample (Photo by Alliah.S, 2022)

Image showing Commelina sp. (Photo by Alliah.S,2022)

Loam soil

Image showing loam soil (photo by Jevaun.I, 2022) Image showing Mango tree (photo by Jevaun.I,

2022)
Discussion:

Sandy soils have a thin texture and a porous structure, which makes them rapidly drain and not

retain water efficiently. This can result in low fertility, but sandy soil can still develop a good

garden with the introduction of compost, manure, or leaf mold. This type of soil dries (Guyana

Chronicle. (n.d.).

In this category of soil, large sand particles are encircled by air pockets, which create lots of gaps

for water to pass through easily. Sandy soil absorbs water when it is poured on it; it does not pool

on the surface. This can be a nuisance during a dry stretch but is a huge benefit in wet weather.

Sandy soil drains water so quickly that the majority of the nutrients are washed away. Before

planting, incorporating organic matter, like as compost, manure, leaf mold, or some clay soil,

might help the soil retain more water (BYJUS. n.d.).

The soil's structure determines how well it holds together. Sandy soil has a loose structure and is

very porous, which makes it simple for roots to move about in the soil. However, sandy soil

needs to be supplemented with organic matter to improve its structure because it doesn't stay

together properly. The ability to more quickly alter pH is a benefit of sandy soil over heavier

soils like clay (Guyana Chronicle. (n.d.).

In comparison to sandy soil, loam soil is made up of a mixture of sand, silt, and clay. This

mixture is combined in such a way that the advantageous qualities of each are present. It can

hold onto nutrients and moisture, making it more ideal for cultivation. Additionally, it is known

as an agricultural soil due to its features of a balance of the three different types of soil: sandy,

clay, and silt. Humus is also present in this soil type. Due to its inorganic origins, it also has
increased calcium and pH levels in addition to these. Unlike sandy soil, loam soil is a great

retainer of water and is rich in nutrients (BYJUS. n.d.).

Commelina sp. was found to be growing on the soil in the researcher’s backyard. Due to the

fleeting nature of their blossoms, the roughly 170 species that make up the genus Commelina are

sometimes known as dayflowers. It is by far the biggest genus in the Commelinaceae family.

This weed thrives in open, wet regions. They can tolerate flooding and easily colonizes

meadows, wastelands, and the sides of roadways (Www.cabi.org. n.d.). The genus is notoriously

persistent in general. Despite sandy soils being easily drainable, this plant genus can thrive in the

environment with consistent access to water. The plant was found next to a drain where water is

always flowing through. Additionally, over the past few weeks, it has been raining intermittently.

Conclusion:

Sandy soil is not ideal for plant growth without the structure being enhanced, unlike loam soil

which is ideal for plant growth. Sandy soil lacks nutrients and is not a good retainer of water,

while loam soil is rich in nutrients and retains water well.

References

BYJUS. (n.d.). Types Of Soil - Sandy Soil, Clay Soil, Silt Soil, And Loamy Soil. Retrieved

https://byjus.com/biology/types-of-soil/#:~:text=The%20soil%20is%20the%20part%20of

%20the%20earth%E2%80%99s

Www.cabi.org. (n.d.). Commelina diffusa (spreading dayflower).

https://www.cabi.org/isc/datasheet/14979

Guyana Chronicle. (n.d.). ‌ Soil Types.

https://guyanachronicle.com/2019/05/12/soil-types/#:~:text=The%20size%20of%20the

%20particles%20that%20make%20up