San Joaquin Valley Soils Research Paper - 1650 Words

San Joaquin Valley Soils (Research Paper Sample) Content: Name:Instructor:Course:Date:San Joaquin Valley SoilsDue to technological advancement and increased use of machinery in farming, soils are getting prone to deterioration and inability to sustain good productivity over time. Another factor exposing the soil to the threat of deterioration is increasing horticulture and agricultural practices. The type of soil texture in a certain place plays a significant role to determine the productivity in that geographic region holding other factors constant. Since different crops do well in different soil textures, it is paramount to understand the soil structure and texture in your locality before planting your crops. Most people tend to confuse soil texture and soil structure, but they mean completely different things. This research paper aims at explaining soil texture, its importance and the significance of Kern County, CA soil.What is soil texture?This is the qualitative classification tool used by agronomists in the laboratory and field to determine the different classes of soil depending on their physical texture. The classification can then be distinguished by the textual feel that can be clarified further using grading sieves to separate clay, sand and silt. In this regard, soil texture can be defined as the size of particles in your soil sample. Particles are differentiated based on their physical size and textural feel. Sandy soil is determined by the large particles that tend to be grainy. Loam soil is compared to a chocolate cake texture, and it feels moist, light and crumbly. It has medium sized particles, unlike clay soil that contains the smallest particles. Silt contains the smallest particles that characterize clay soil that is usually sticky, dense and hard (Christensen).There are various ways of determining the soil structure in your garden, but the most common is the ribbon method and a lab test. The lab test gives you the percentage of sand silt and loam in your soil sample. The results a re compared with the textual triangle to determine its textural class. The textural triangle has 12 textual classes that include; silt, silt loam, silty clay loam, loam, sandy clay loam, loamy sand, sand, sandy loam, sandy clay, clay loam, silty clay, and clay. They are usually determined by the percentage level of either clay, silt or clay. This can be explained further using the following figure.Source: /mauisoil/a_factor_ts.aspxUnder the ribbon method, soil texture is classified based on the ribbons formed by the soil particles. The soil is said to be fine textured if the formed ribbon remains flexible and for a considerable long period. If there is no ribbon formed and the sample breaks into less than ÂÂ ¾ inch pieces, then the texture is medium. When the sample leaves no stain, contains gritty material and has no ability to form a ribbon, the texture is coarse. In California, San Joaquin is the state soil after it was officially designated in 1997 (Sousa). San Joaquin Vall ey has different types of soil textures that change as one approach San Joaquin River. Clay soil dominates the valley at 52%, clay loam at 35%, sandy loam at 9% and loam at 4%, but it contains a higher fraction of montmorillonite mineral. The finer textures soil is found near the San Joaquin River mostly due to silt deposition. The soils contain clay contents approximately forty to sixty percent. As one moves from East to West in the valley, the soil becomes coarsely textured gradually. The panache Creek has a distinct feature characterized by sandy loam soil deposits. The organic matter is quite low, and gypsum is present especially in the downslope soils (Schoups, Hopmans and Young). Production sustainability of agricultural products in a certain area depend on soil fertility that is influenced by soil structure and texture as well.Importance of soil textureSoil pH and fertility plays a significant role in determining how well your plants will grow. The soil textures discussed in this paper have their potential benefits and drawbacks, especially on the plants. The soil texture is known to affect the water-holding capacity of your garden. This is determined by the ability of soil to retain water that will be used by plants for a given period. The fineness or coarseness of your soil will determine the rate at which water is lost through infiltration and the ability of water retention for a long time.It also affects the permeability that refers to the ease of water and air passage through the soil. Plants do well in the type of soil where water is easily stored, and aeration is effective for proper growth. Soils texture determines the soil structure that in return plays an important role in determining the physical fertility of the soil. Fine textured soil tends to have a more stable structure with a lot of micro pores that help to reduce water passage hence more retention. On the other hand, coarse-textured soil conduct water much faster due to the many macrop ores that reduce water retention capability.The soil structure in your garden will determine the ease of soil workability. This is the ease or difficulty experienced when preparing the land for planting or timing the right time to cultivate after rain. Most people prefer the type of soil that will not make their work daunting and hectic. In most cases, fine particle soils tend to get waterlogged during rainy seasons and brings about workability challenges.It is important to acknowledge that the type of soil texture in your land will determine the types of crops to grow. Crops that grow beneath the surface such as carrots and onions will not do well in fine-textured soil. Soils that get waterlogged easily after a rain or excessive irrigation leads to aeration problems and plants are unable to pick nutrients effectively leading to poor growth and results (Singh, Pathak and Prakash).The resistance of soil to erosion is also a function of soil texture. By understanding the type of soil texture in your land, then you can determine the best measures to control erosion and reduce the loss of fertility. Fertility has a direct relation to soil texture that determines retention of nutrients and water. Since leaching of nutrients is a function of soil texture, coarse textured soils tend to be less fertile compared to fine soils. This is because the fine textured soil can retain more nutrients and water for a remarkably long time. The soil is also able to maintain a good balance between soil air and soil moisture that helps plants to pick nutrients thus providing a conducive environment for growth.What makes the soil in Kern County important?Kern County is located in California, and its economy is heavily linked to petroleum extraction and agriculture. The County is characterized by different soil textures depending on the location. Apart from using fertilizers and other enhancers, the soil in the county is fertile and able to sustain agricultural practices. The soil is r ich in nutrients necessary for crop production and basic plant nourishment. The necessary nutrients include potassium, phosphorus, and nitrogen that are readily available in the soil. The soil in Kern contains optimum organic matter that in return helps to improve the soil structure. The key advantage of the organic matter is that it helps the soil to retain nutrients and water necessary for crop growth. The soil of Kern County contains large amounts of topsoil that help to boost its fertility. The fact that most of the agriculture productive areas in the county are slightly slanted makes the soil good for farming due to good drainage of excess water. It also ensures that there are minimal or no cha... San Joaquin Valley Soils Research Paper - 1650 Words San Joaquin Valley Soils (Research Paper Sample) Content: Name:Instructor:Course:Date:San Joaquin Valley SoilsDue to technological advancement and increased use of machinery in farming, soils are getting prone to deterioration and inability to sustain good productivity over time. Another factor exposing the soil to the threat of deterioration is increasing horticulture and agricultural practices. The type of soil texture in a certain place plays a significant role to determine the productivity in that geographic region holding other factors constant. Since different crops do well in different soil textures, it is paramount to understand the soil structure and texture in your locality before planting your crops. Most people tend to confuse soil texture and soil structure, but they mean completely different things. This research paper aims at explaining soil texture, its importance and the significance of Kern County, CA soil.What is soil texture?This is the qualitative classification tool used by agronomists in the laboratory and field to determine the different classes of soil depending on their physical texture. The classification can then be distinguished by the textual feel that can be clarified further using grading sieves to separate clay, sand and silt. In this regard, soil texture can be defined as the size of particles in your soil sample. Particles are differentiated based on their physical size and textural feel. Sandy soil is determined by the large particles that tend to be grainy. Loam soil is compared to a chocolate cake texture, and it feels moist, light and crumbly. It has medium sized particles, unlike clay soil that contains the smallest particles. Silt contains the smallest particles that characterize clay soil that is usually sticky, dense and hard (Christensen).There are various ways of determining the soil structure in your garden, but the most common is the ribbon method and a lab test. The lab test gives you the percentage of sand silt and loam in your soil sample. The results a re compared with the textual triangle to determine its textural class. The textural triangle has 12 textual classes that include; silt, silt loam, silty clay loam, loam, sandy clay loam, loamy sand, sand, sandy loam, sandy clay, clay loam, silty clay, and clay. They are usually determined by the percentage level of either clay, silt or clay. This can be explained further using the following figure.Source: /mauisoil/a_factor_ts.aspxUnder the ribbon method, soil texture is classified based on the ribbons formed by the soil particles. The soil is said to be fine textured if the formed ribbon remains flexible and for a considerable long period. If there is no ribbon formed and the sample breaks into less than ÂÂ ¾ inch pieces, then the texture is medium. When the sample leaves no stain, contains gritty material and has no ability to form a ribbon, the texture is coarse. In California, San Joaquin is the state soil after it was officially designated in 1997 (Sousa). San Joaquin Vall ey has different types of soil textures that change as one approach San Joaquin River. Clay soil dominates the valley at 52%, clay loam at 35%, sandy loam at 9% and loam at 4%, but it contains a higher fraction of montmorillonite mineral. The finer textures soil is found near the San Joaquin River mostly due to silt deposition. The soils contain clay contents approximately forty to sixty percent. As one moves from East to West in the valley, the soil becomes coarsely textured gradually. The panache Creek has a distinct feature characterized by sandy loam soil deposits. The organic matter is quite low, and gypsum is present especially in the downslope soils (Schoups, Hopmans and Young). Production sustainability of agricultural products in a certain area depend on soil fertility that is influenced by soil structure and texture as well.Importance of soil textureSoil pH and fertility plays a significant role in determining how well your plants will grow. The soil textures discussed in this paper have their potential benefits and drawbacks, especially on the plants. The soil texture is known to affect the water-holding capacity of your garden. This is determined by the ability of soil to retain water that will be used by plants for a given period. The fineness or coarseness of your soil will determine the rate at which water is lost through infiltration and the ability of water retention for a long time.It also affects the permeability that refers to the ease of water and air passage through the soil. Plants do well in the type of soil where water is easily stored, and aeration is effective for proper growth. Soils texture determines the soil structure that in return plays an important role in determining the physical fertility of the soil. Fine textured soil tends to have a more stable structure with a lot of micro pores that help to reduce water passage hence more retention. On the other hand, coarse-textured soil conduct water much faster due to the many macrop ores that reduce water retention capability.The soil structure in your garden will determine the ease of soil workability. This is the ease or difficulty experienced when preparing the land for planting or timing the right time to cultivate after rain. Most people prefer the type of soil that will not make their work daunting and hectic. In most cases, fine particle soils tend to get waterlogged during rainy seasons and brings about workability challenges.It is important to acknowledge that the type of soil texture in your land will determine the types of crops to grow. Crops that grow beneath the surface such as carrots and onions will not do well in fine-textured soil. Soils that get waterlogged easily after a rain or excessive irrigation leads to aeration problems and plants are unable to pick nutrients effectively leading to poor growth and results (Singh, Pathak and Prakash).The resistance of soil to erosion is also a function of soil texture. By understanding the type of soil texture in your land, then you can determine the best measures to control erosion and reduce the loss of fertility. Fertility has a direct relation to soil texture that determines retention of nutrients and water. Since leaching of nutrients is a function of soil texture, coarse textured soils tend to be less fertile compared to fine soils. This is because the fine textured soil can retain more nutrients and water for a remarkably long time. The soil is also able to maintain a good balance between soil air and soil moisture that helps plants to pick nutrients thus providing a conducive environment for growth.What makes the soil in Kern County important?Kern County is located in California, and its economy is heavily linked to petroleum extraction and agriculture. The County is characterized by different soil textures depending on the location. Apart from using fertilizers and other enhancers, the soil in the county is fertile and able to sustain agricultural practices. The soil is r ich in nutrients necessary for crop production and basic plant nourishment. The necessary nutrients include potassium, phosphorus, and nitrogen that are readily available in the soil. The soil in Kern contains optimum organic matter that in return helps to improve the soil structure. The key advantage of the organic matter is that it helps the soil to retain nutrients and water necessary for crop growth. The soil of Kern County contains large amounts of topsoil that help to boost its fertility. The fact that most of the agriculture productive areas in the county are slightly slanted makes the soil good for farming due to good drainage of excess water. It also ensures that there are minimal or no cha...

Characterization of Mycobacterium smegmatis bacteriophage Ravenclaw - Free Essay Example

To start off made sure the surface was cleaned with 1% ethanol, and the Bunsen burner must be turned on. Everything performed to isolate a phage must be done in an aseptic zone, in this case it was near the Bunsen burner. 5 ml of the soil sample was gathered near WSU campus and poured into a bioreactor which already included the enriched medium and .5 ml of the M. foliorum then sat on the tube shaker for seven days. Once the soil sample was on the shaker for a minimum of 24 hours, 1 ml of the soil mixture was transferred into a microfuge tube. The soil mixture spun in a microcentrifuge at speed for thirty seconds. Next, with a syringe with its plunger removed, a filter was attached to the top and transferred roughly half of the centrifuge mixture into it. The plunger was reinserted into the syringe, a filter the medium into a microfuge tube. The filtered medium in the microfuge tube was used as enriched lysate. Afterward the enriched lysate was prepared, a plaque assay was performed by adding 50 ? µl of the enriched lysate into a tube of .5 of M. foliorum and letting it incubate for ten minutes. Meanwhile the enriched lysate mix was incubated for ten minute, 20 ? µl of CaCl2 was mixed with liquid top agar. Once ten minutes had passed, add the top agar mix into the phage lysate mix and swirl. The mixture of M. foliorum, phage lysate, and a separate tub of liquid top agar, it was poured into a new l-agar plate it was then incubated at 30? °C for seven days. With a growth of a phage on the plate, a spot test was performed in aseptic conditions. A grid was drawn on the plastic side of a new l-agar plate and labeled as a negative control. A tube of liquid top agar is added 20 ? µl of CaCl? ¬? ¬2 and that mixture was then mixed into a tube of M. foliorum. The mixture of CaCl2, liquid top agar, and M. foliorum was drained onto a new l-agar plate. As it becomes solid on the plate, 10 â€Å" 25 ? µl of the soil sample was transferred onto the grids that were drawn on the bottom of the plate. The l-agar plates with the mixture topped off are places in a 30? °C incubator for a week. As the lawn was visible, a plaque streak was performed by first choosing a plaque from the plate and touching the plaque with a sterile wooden pick that was then aseptically streaked onto a new agar plate. This process was done by using a sterile wooden stick, starting at the edge of the past streak for a three separate streak where an x was noticeable. Then a new layer of agar that was mixed with M. foliorum and CaCl2 was poured onto the plate where the phage was streaked. The streaked plate was incubated at 30? °C for a week to let the bacteriophage grow. After the streaked plate had been incubated at 30 for seven days, the next step was to devise the phage specimen located the plaque that was circled. A clean applicator was used to transfer the most isolated phage from the plate into a bioreactor that also included .5 ml of M. foliorum and 25 mL of the enriched medium and sat on the shaker for seven days. After the enriched culture had been on the shaker for seven days, the next step was to collect the lysate and filter-sterilize. A .22 ? µm filtered syringe disbursed the now filtered enrich medium into three separate labeled microfuge tubes. Determined the titer of the HTL by ten labeled microfuge tubes from -1 to -10. Each tube was mixed with 90 ? µm of phage buffer as well as 10 ? µm of the concentrated HTL to the -1 microfuge tube. Mixed 10 ? µm from the -1 tube into the -2 tube and continue transferring 10 ? µm from the previous tube into a new tube until reaching the -10 tube with a new tip each time transferring into a new tube. A negative control was needed, so the 11th tube was infected with M. foliorum and 10 ? µm of phage buffer and letting it sit for ten minutes. As ten minutes passed, all the plates were topped off with a mixture of liquid top agar and CaCl2 and labeled appropriately. Again, it they solidified and were moved into a 30 degree Celsius incubator for the next seven days After the plates were incubated at thirty degree Celsius for seven days, the next step was to degrade bacterial DNA / RNA in high titer lysate. First step was to disburse one mL of high titer lysate into a microfuge tube, then with gloves on, relocate to the designated nucleus work station. Added 5 ? µl of the nucleus mix into my sample, mixed by repeating, incubated at 37 degrees Celsius for ten minutes. After ten minutes of incubation, the second step was to denature the protein capsid to excrete the phage DNA. 500 ? µl of the nuclease HTL mixture was discharged onto two separate microfuge tubes with clean up resin. The next protocol was to isolate the phage genomic DNA by attaining two DNA columns, labeled with personal initials. Columns were attached to two three mL syringes, and 1.5 mL of the phage mixture were filtered into new microfuge tubes. Put column in a new microfuge tube by first unscrewing the column from the syringe before freeing the plunger. Afterwards, withdraw the plunger from the syringe barrel and screw back the column, Following the protocol, the next step was to rinse the salt from the DNA by using two syringe barrels filled with two mL of 80% isopropanol. Then repeat steps of isolating phage genomic DNA to have done three isopropanol washes. Afterwards, isopropanol residue was left and to remove it the columns were placed in a microfuge tube and spun at 10,000 x for a maximum of five minutes. Then, the columns were placed on a block that had been heated to 80o C for one minute to evaporate any excess isopropanol Eluted the DNA by incubating the columns at room temperature with 50 ? µl of ddH2O for one minute. After incubation, the samples spun again at 10,00 x for sixty seconds. The eluted phage DNA was gathered by incorporated the products from both microfuge tubes into one final tube. First started by mildly stirring the DNA specimen by finger vertexing and with the concentrated DNA sample calculate the amount of DNA sample. Next, made sets of restriction enzyme digest reaction by getting a tube of dH2O 100 ? µg, 10X reaction buffer 20 ? µl, 3 ? µl BamHI Enzyme, 3 ? µl EcoRI Enzyme, HindIII. Reactions were set up in the format the protocol was told as. There were four reaction tubes, three restriction enzyme digest and a controlled tube with no enzyme. To indicate the reaction, started by placing the reaction tubes in tube racks and placing them in the incubator ay 37 o and my TA removed them afterwards. Placed the 24 ? µl of reaction inside the wells of an agarose gel that was inside of the gel electrophoresis. TA provided a portion of kb ladder, dispersed all 10 ? µl of the ladder onto the gel in the lanes. After forty minutes, relocated the gel into a ziplock bag, and into a transilluminator where the DNA could be seen.