Title: Soil Sterilization
Aim: To sterilize soil using hot water.
Materials: Old large pot, colander (should be able to just fit in the large pot), source of heat (stove), water, soil, oven mitts, matches
Method:
Collect the necessary materials.Place the large pot on the burner and fill with water.
Light the burner with the match.
Bring the pot of water to a boil.
Place the soil in the colander.
Immerse the colander in the boiling water for approximately five minutes.
Stir the soil thoroughly while it is immersed in the water.
Remove the colander from the water. Be careful not to leave the soil in the boiling water for too long.
Keep the sterile soil in a sealed plastic bag for use in a later practical.
Observations:
Include a picture of the soil in the colander within the boiling water and a picture of you holding the soil with the water.
Discussion:
What is soil sterilization?
Why is it done?
What are the advantages and disadvantages of using heat to sterilize soil?
Would you use this method on a large farm? If Why? If not, what method would you use?
What happens if the soil is heated for too long?
Conclusion:
What is sterilization by heat? Is it a very good method for sterilizing soil? Why so?
The following video demonstrates the boiling of soil to sterilize it.