Ecosystems -Sand Dunes - Episode 208



What's in your soil?
Different soil types support different kinds of plants. Measure plant diversity in different parts of your schoolyard, or in your own yard or neighboring field. Take an empty picture frame (2 ft. by 3 ft., or 60 cm by 90 cm) and set it on the ground in your yard or field. Count the number of different kinds of plants you find in the frame. Even if you don't know the names of the plants, just look for different kinds. Pay attention to plant height, leaf shape, stalk shape and flower color. Compare different locations. If you have permission, do some digging to determine what kind of soil is underneath the plants. What do you notice?