Answer to Question 1The answer to this question will vary depending upon the factors listed in the lab
manual. Suggest that your students consider all the factors discussed earlier.
Answer to Question 2Unless the forest is coniferous (needle-bearing trees), the soil in the cultivated field
may have a lower soil pH. If large quantities of lime have been added to the field soil,
the forest may have more acidic soil. Coniferous trees tend to produce acidic litter
that accumulates on the forest floor. As the needles decay, they produce an acidic
humus soil layer. You will need to take into consideration the type of vegetation in
the area, the parent material from which the local soil is derived, the cultivation
practices in the field (no till, low till, etc.), and the kinds of chemicals that have been
added to the field soil during the past several years in assisting your students with
this question.