SOIL 



139 



this mineral matter consists of. Record the result of 

 this exercise and write answers to all the questions. 



3. Water-holding Capacity of Soils 



Fill three small earthen flower pots with finely pul- 

 verized soils, one with clay, one with sand, and one 

 with humus loam. Weigh these, and if possible make 

 them weigh the same. Then slowly pour water into 

 each pot until the soils are saturated and the water 



FIG. 44. APPARATUS TO TEST THE CAPACITY OF SOILS TO TAKE IN 



RAINFALL 



begins to run out from the hole at the bottom of the 

 pot. Weigh the pots of wet soil, and determine which 

 is holding the most water. Which soil took in water 

 most rapidly? Which most slowly? Which of the 

 soils could absorb the heaviest shower? Which soil 

 continues to drip longest? Which drains most readily? 



