Data collection

• What is the first hypothesis regarding soil pH?

  Soil pH decreases with distance inland
• What equipment was used for soil sampling in the field?

  Plastic tubs, soil auger, trowel, tape measure
• How deep was the soil sample taken using the auger?

  3 cm deep
• Why was the soil sample placed into numbered plastic tubs?

  To ensure proper identification for lab testing
• What was the soil to water ratio used in the lab for pH testing?

  50% soil to 50% water
• How long was the soil and water mixture left to stand before measuring pH?

  10-15 minutes
• How long should the pH probe be placed in the solution?

  30 seconds or until stabilized
• Why should the pH probe be rinsed between tests?

  To prevent cross-contamination of samples
• What are the pros and cons of the field sampling method?

  Pros:

  • Consistent sampling depth (3 cm)
  • Regular sampling point along the transect

  
  

  Cons:

  • Different groups may cause human error
  • Difficulty in extracting samples from vegetated areas
• What are the pros and cons of the lab testing method for pH?

  Pros:

  • Simple procedure with minimal human error

  
  

  Cons:

  • Potential for probe recalibration errors
  • Inconsistent soil to water ratio
• What suggestion was made to improve field sampling?

  Take 3 soil samples at random
• How can consistency in lab testing be improved?

  Weigh soil and measure water accurately
• What is the second hypothesis regarding moisture content?

  % moisture content increases with distance inland
• What equipment was used for measuring moisture content in the lab?

  Ceramic crucible, microbalance, metal spatula, soil oven
• How was the moisture content percentage calculated?

  Using the formula $(A-B)/A \times 100$
• What are the pros and cons of the field sampling method for moisture content?

  Pros:

  • Consistent sampling depth (3 cm)
  • Regular sampling point along the transect

  
  

  Cons:

  • Different groups may cause human error
  • Difficulty in extracting samples from vegetated areas
• What are the pros and cons of the lab testing method for moisture content?

  Pros:

  • Simple procedure with minimal human error

  
  

  Cons:

  • Potential for cross-contamination
  • Reliance on accurate weighing of soil
• What suggestion was made to improve lab testing for moisture content?

  Wash spatula between each sample
• What is the third hypothesis regarding plant species diversity?

  Diversity of plant species increases with distance inland
• What equipment was used for measuring plant species diversity?

  50x50 cm quadrat, tape measure, identification sheet
• How was the position for the quadrat determined?

  Using a random number table along the tape
• What were the pros and cons of the quadrat sampling method?

  Random selection eliminated bias but limited sample size
• What was a suggested improvement for plant species identification?

  Practice identifying species before fieldwork
• What are the potential exam questions related to data collection methods?

  1. Describe how data was collected (5 marks)
  2. Identify a factor influencing accuracy (5 marks)
  3. Evaluate a primary data collection method (7 marks)
  4. Describe and evaluate a data collection method (6 marks)