Soil Sampling with Play-doh

by Lego Forage Specialist
Published July 19, 2022

Materials

  • Play-doh in assorted colors (any brand will work but do not use modeling clay)
  • Green play-doh for “grass”
  • Small disposable cups (we used mouthwash/bathroom cups here)
  • Clear plastic straws (we used smoothie or boba tea straws)

Soil Sampling with Play-doh

  1. Pull off small pieces of play-doh and press into the cup.
  2. Mix and match the different colors and continue to fill until the cup is ¾ of the way full..
  3. Pull off a layer of green play-doh.
  4. Press the green play-doh down to cover all of the other colors on the top.
  5. Switch the cups around (or trade with a friend). Gently insert the straw down into the cup.
  6. Pull the straw out to reveal the diversity of colors underneath the “grass”. If the core gets stuck, twist the straw in a circle before removing.
  7. Final result: the diversity of colors represents variability in the soil. The only way to know how good or bad your soil is for your plants is to test! If you need help with soil testing real soil, contact your local county Extension agent.