By:Natalie R.
The purpose of this experiment was to determine if different soils have different buffering capacities. To carry out this experiment three plastic soda bottles were cut in half, turned upside down and filled with three different kinds of soil, clay, sand, and potting soil. 100mL of vinegar at a pH of 4 was added to each and allowed to percolate through the soils. The vinegar was collected out the bottom and its pH tested.
After completing
the experiment it was found that the pH only changed when it passed
through clay (pH 6). Sand and potting soil did not seem to change
the pH. Clay seems to be the most effective at buffering.