Lab Report
Abstract
This lab’s purpose was to test the patterns of percolation in various places. This lab tested how soil would absorb water based on different places. Distance from a group of trees, distance from a swamp, and different types of soil were tested. From the results collected, you can not prove, but you can infer that the ability to absorb increases as you go farther away from a swamp, and a group of trees. The ability to absorb also increases based on how much silt is in soil.
Introduction
In the first article, which was a research paper called “Surface runoff and soil water percolation as affected by snow and soil frost” which was written by Holger Johnsson and Lars-Christer Lundin. In the research paper, the two discussed an experiment that had been conducted in Sweden. Coupled together, a soil water and heat model were used. The study was to show the influence of soil frost, drainage flow and snow on infiltration. It was tested in a field in Central Sweden. The results from the study showed that if soil is covered in snow, or it is frosted, water absorption takes much longer. The second article states that a traditional septic system can only work if the leach areas soil is sufficiently permeable so that it can absorb the liquid that flows into it. Soils that have a high gravel and sand content were stated to be the best soils for this purpose, but soils with solid rocks and a very high clay content would not be best. The article also explained that most soils that you find can be in the middle of the two, which would explain random, unexpected results in our lab.
The final article, “Life and Death of Building Lots Subject to Perc.” explains percolation rates, which is the time that 1” of water drains from a hole that has been dug near a future septic system, has to be determined before there can be building permits issued. This is important for rural communities that are in the USA. When you test, if the rate does not beat or match the
This lab’s purpose was to test the patterns of percolation in various places. This lab tested how soil would absorb water based on different places. Distance from a group of trees, distance from a swamp, and different types of soil were tested. From the results collected, you can not prove, but you can infer that the ability to absorb increases as you go farther away from a swamp, and a group of trees. The ability to absorb also increases based on how much silt is in soil.
Introduction
In the first article, which was a research paper called “Surface runoff and soil water percolation as affected by snow and soil frost” which was written by Holger Johnsson and Lars-Christer Lundin. In the research paper, the two discussed an experiment that had been conducted in Sweden. Coupled together, a soil water and heat model were used. The study was to show the influence of soil frost, drainage flow and snow on infiltration. It was tested in a field in Central Sweden. The results from the study showed that if soil is covered in snow, or it is frosted, water absorption takes much longer. The second article states that a traditional septic system can only work if the leach areas soil is sufficiently permeable so that it can absorb the liquid that flows into it. Soils that have a high gravel and sand content were stated to be the best soils for this purpose, but soils with solid rocks and a very high clay content would not be best. The article also explained that most soils that you find can be in the middle of the two, which would explain random, unexpected results in our lab.
The final article, “Life and Death of Building Lots Subject to Perc.” explains percolation rates, which is the time that 1” of water drains from a hole that has been dug near a future septic system, has to be determined before there can be building permits issued. This is important for rural communities that are in the USA. When you test, if the rate does not beat or match the
Cited: Fisette, Paul. "Life and Death of Building Lots Subject to Perc." University of Massachusetts Amherst. University of Massachusetts Amherst, 28 Nov. 207. Web. 20 Nov. 2013. Johnsson, Hoggler, and Lars-Christer Lundin. Surface Runoff and Soil Water Percolation as Affected by Snow and Soil Frost. Rep. N.p.: Elsevier B.V., 1991. Print. "Soil and Perc Testing." Building Advisor. N.p., 2013. Web. 20 Nov. 2013.