“ANALYSIS OF SOIL SAMPLE”

A PROJECT WORK SUBMITTED FOR THE PARTIAL FULFILLMENT

OF THE REQUIREMENT FOR GRADE 11 SCIENCE IN CHEMISTRY
SUBMITTED BY DIPESH SAPKOTA.

Name of student: Dipesh Sapkota

Class: 11
Section: Science
Roll no: 11409

Submitted to : Pradip Sapkota

Department of chemistry
Year: 2024

[0]
 CERTIFICATE OF APPROVAL
This project was entitled, “Analysis of soil sample” by Mr Dipesh Sapkota is submitted for the
partial fulfillment of project work of Chemistry of grade 11 has been accepted.

Teacher name: Mr Pradip Sapkota

Department of chemistry

[1]
 ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

It is my good fortune to get a very cooperative teacher Mr Pradip Sapkota during the work in
progress, his/her support, helpfulness and constant encouragement kept me motivated in research
work. He provided invaluable interest, guidance during the course of work. I have not only
learned but also got important suggestions regarding scientific writing and other related matters. I
am very grateful to him. I would like to thank all faculty members who have provided
encouragement and suggestions during the course of work.

Further, I would also like to extend my gratitude to the principle MR Choodamani Sharma and
Executive Director Mr for providing me with the entire faculty that was required. Finally, I
would like to express my deep gratitude to the greatest mentor, my parents. All the thanks are
due to them for everything that I have achieved.

Name of student: Dipesh Sapkota

Address: Gaindakot-05, Nawalpur
Year: 2024

[2]
TABLE OF CONTENT
PAGE No
Certificate of Approval---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------2
Acknowledgement---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------3

Table of content------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------4

Introduction-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
5
Objective of study---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------9

Result and discussion----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------20

Conclusion----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------20

References-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------21

[3]
 INTRODUCTION:

Soil consists of a solid phase of minerals and organic matter (the soil matrix), as well as a porous
phase that holds gases (the soil atmosphere) and water (the soil solution). Accordingly, soil is a
three-state system of solids, liquids, and gases. Soil is a product of several factors: the influence
of climate, relief (elevation, orientation, and slope of terrain), organisms, and the soil's parent
materials (original minerals) interacting over time. It continually undergoes development by way
of numerous physical, chemical and biological processes, which include weathering with
associated erosion. Given its internal connectedness, soil ecologists regard soil as an ecosystem.
Soil analysis is a set of various chemical processes that determine the amount of available plant
nutrients in the soil, but also the chemical, physical and biological soil properties important for
plant nutrition. High yields of top-quality crops require an abundant supply of 16 essential
nutrient elements. In addition to providing a place for crops to grow, soil is the source for most of
the essential nutrients required by the crop. Our soil resource can be compared to a bank where
continued withdrawal without repayment cannot continue indefinitely. As nutrients are removed
by one crop and not replaced for subsequent crop production, yields will decrease accordingly.
Accurate accounting of nutrient removal and replacement, crop production statistics, and soil
analysis results will help the producer manage fertilizer applications.
A soil analysis is used to determine the level of nutrients found in a soil sample. As such, it can
only be as accurate as the sample taken in a particular field. The results of a soil analysis provide
the agricultural producer with an estimate of the amount of fertilizer nutrients needed to
supplement those in the soil. Applying the appropriate type and amount of needed fertilizer will
give the agricultural a more reasonable chance to obtain the desired crop yield. Soil analysis
gives valuable information, essential for soil quality improvement. By tracking the exact amount
of soil nutrients, a farmer can easily adjust fertilization in accordance with soil and crop
requirements. Using farm management software, farmers can take advantage of getting fertilizer
management based on data that increases plant growth for optimum yield. Additionally, soil
analysis facilitates crop nutrient management by revealing the current soil pH level. Soil pH is
important due to its influence on the uptake of soil nutrients.
The main purpose of managing soil pH is to be able to adjust the acidity to the point where there
are no toxic metals exposed to the crops, as well as to ensure that nutrient availability is at its
maximum. Soil analysis is a valuable farm practice that determines the exact amount of available
crop nutrients in the soil. It also provides a visible snapshot of various chemical, physical, and

[4]
biological soil properties. Some of the most basic but necessary micronutrient measurements
includes determining levels of nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, magnesium, and
calcium ,analyzing soil pH and determining humus content, available lime, and organic matter.
Soil Analysis leads to more informed fertiliser decisions, reducing risks in the soil such as soil
erosion, soil infertility and degraded lands and increasing farm profitability in the long-term.
Reveals the amount of plant-available macro-nutrients in the soil and where soil nutrients are in
the soil profile Identifies nutrients that could be yield-limiting Monitors soil health properties
such as pH, EC and OC, which affect nutrient availability to crops and thereby yields and
profitability Provides a basis for variable rate application (VRT) depending upon soil and crop.
Supports decisions about fertiliser rate, timing, placement and product. Improved knowledge of
the soil types within the farm to maximise management options. Maximises in-season
responsiveness. Consequently, it also provides a farm management tool with a potential benefit
to the farmer of increased yields, reduced operating costs and superior environmental risk
management and it also includes improved crop maturity and quality, higher tolerance to disease
and pest damage, and increased growth.

[5]
 MATERIALS AND METHOLOGY:
Soil analysis can provide important information about physical conditions, fertility (nutrient)
status, and chemical properties that affect a soil’s suitability for growing plants. Four steps
associated with soil testing include:

1) soil sample collection,

2) laboratory analysis,

3) interpretation of results,

4) fertilizer or other management recommendations.

We’ll look at soil sample collection and analysis.

SOIL SAMPLE COLLECTION:

The first step in soil analysis is soil sample collection. It’s important to realize that only a tiny
portion of a field is actually analyzed in the laboratory. Thus, collecting a representative soil
sample is critical for accurate results.

The most common method is composite sampling. Sub-samples are collected from randomly
selected locations in the field. The sub-samples are thoroughly mixed to obtain a representative
sample and analysis of this sample gives average values for the entire area. Although the actual
number of sub-samples depends on field size and uniformity, no less than 5 sub-samples should
be taken, and 15 to 25 are preferred. Usually samples are collected to a depth of about 6 to 8
inches or to the effective rooting depth.

Soil samples should be immediately air-dried at room temperature for two to three days and
should not be heated or dried in an oven. If samples cannot be dried immediately, they can be
refrigerated for several days and taken to a laboratory as soon as possible.

The primary consideration for timing of soil sample collection is convenience. Collect samples
early enough to allow for interpretation and soil management adjustments. Status of some soil
nutrients can change quickly, whereas others do not. For example, phosphorus levels in soil are
unlikely to change rapidly and frequent testing is unnecessary. Nitrogen levels, on the other hand,
change very quickly and only very recent tests will reflect current plant-available levels. When
making substantial changes to soil fertility levels, it is a good idea to make the change over a
period of two to three years, retesting the soil annually. Otherwise, occasional testing (once every
few years) is adequate in the absence of any noticeable nutritional deficiencies.

[6]
SAMPLE ANALYSIS :
A soil test determines the soil’s nutrient supplying capacity by mixing soil during the analysis
with a very strong extracting solution (often an acid or a combination of acids). The soil reacts
with the extracting solution, releasing some of the nutrients. As soil supplies most of the mineral
nutrition for higher plants through the plant’s root system, the extracted nutrient concentration is
evaluated based on research that relates plant utilization to soil nutrient concentrations. This
works well for some nutrients, but is less accurate for others. Nutrients supplied from soil organic
matter (OM) decomposition (such as nitrogen and sulfur) depend more on the rate of OM
decomposition than on extractable levels of these nutrients. Standard or routine soil tests vary
from laboratory to laboratory, but generally include soil texture; electrical conductivity (EC, a
measure of soil salinity); soil pH; available phosphorus (P), potassium (K), calcium (Ca), and
magnesium (Mg); sodium (Na); cation exchange capacity (CEC); and often an analysis of OM
content. Most laboratories offer nitrogen (N), sulfur (S), and micronutrient analyses for
additional cost. The methods used to test soils vary depending on soil chemical properties which
are affected by geographic region.

As a general rule, sampling for mobile nutrients should be taken as close to seeding as possible or
when biological activity is low. Fall sampling should generally start after the soil temperature is
less than 108C at which time no further changes in the soil nutrient levels are expected. Spring
sampling, before seeding, can be done as soon as the soil frost is gone. Commonly used sample
depth combinations are 0 to 15 cm (000–600) and 15 to 60 cm (600–2400), or 0 to 30 cm (000–
1200) plus 30 to 60 cm (1200–2400). However, if the soil nutrient of interest is expected to be
stratified by depth, as with water-soluble highly mobile nutrients, then additional sampling
increments would help ensure accurate recommendations.

To ensure that a uniform volume of soil is taken through the full depth of each sampling
increment samples should be collected using soil probes and augers designed for this purpose. A
wedge-shaped sample like that collected using a spade will not give consistent results. All probes
should be kept clean and rust free. Avoid contamination at all stages of sample handling. In many
situations, a lubricant will need to be applied to the soil probe to prevent the soil sticking inside
the probe. This lubricant will help to prevent compaction of the soil as the probe is pressed into
the ground.

[7]
OBJECTIVE OF STUDY:

 Evaluation of fertility status of soil

 Estimation of the available nutrients status of soil
 Evaluation of the suitability of soil for laying garden
 Determination of acidity, salinity and alkalinity problems and
 Recommendation of the required amount of fertilizers, lime or gypsum based on soil
test value.

PARAMETERS:

 PH:
Soil pH is a measure of the acidity or basicity (alkalinity) of a soil. Soil pH is a key characteristic
that can be used to make informative analysis both qualitative and quantitatively regarding soil
characteristics.pH is defined as the negative logarithm (base 10) of the activity of hydronium ions
in a solution. In soils, it is measured in a slurry of soil mixed with water (or a salt solution, such
as 0.01 M CaCl2), and normally falls between 3 and 10, with 7 being neutral. Acid soils have a
pH below 7 and alkaline soils have a pH above 7. Ultra-acidic soils (pH < 3.5) and very strongly
alkaline soils (pH > 9) are rare.
Soil pH is considered a master variable in soils as it affects many chemical processes. It
specifically affects plant nutrient availability by controlling the chemical forms of the different
nutrients and influencing the chemical reactions they undergo. The optimum pH range for most
plants is between 5.5 and 7.5; however, many plants have adapted to thrive at pH values outside
this range.

Below 6 Acidic

6.0 – 8.5 Normal

[8]
 8.6 – 9.0 Alkaline soil

Above 9 Harmful for crop

Micro neutrients :
Calcium:
Calcium is one percent by weight of soils and is generally available but may be low as it is
soluble and can be leached. It is thus low in sandy and heavily leached soil or strongly acidic
mineral soils, resulting in excessive concentration of free hydrogen ions in the soil solution, and
therefore these soils require liming.] Calcium is supplied to the plant in the form of exchangeable
ions and moderately soluble minerals. There are four forms of calcium in the soil. Soil calcium
can be in insoluble forms such as calcite or dolomite, in the soil solution in the form of
a divalent cation or retained in exchangeable form at the surface of mineral particles. Another
form is when calcium complexes with organic matter, forming covalent bonds between organic
compounds which contribute to structural stability. Calcium is more available on the soil colloids
than is potassium because the common mineral calcite, CaCO3, is more soluble than potassium-
bearing minerals such as feldspar.

Magnesium:
Magnesium is one of the dominant exchangeable cations in most soils (after calcium and
potassium). Magnesium is an essential element for plants, microbes and animals, being involved
in many catalytic reactions and in the synthesis of chlorophyll. Primary minerals that weather to
release magnesium include hornblende, biotite and vermiculite highly weathered and

Organic carbon:
Soil organic carbon is divided between living soil biota and dead biotic material derived from
biomass. Together these comprise the soil food web, with the living component sustained by the
biotic material component. Soil biota includes earthworms, nematodes, protozoa, fungi, bacteria
and different arthropods.
Detritus resulting from plant senescence is the major source of soil organic carbon. Plant
materials, with cell walls high in cellulose and lignin, are decomposed and the not-
respired carbon is retained as humus. Cellulose and starches readily degrade, resulting in short
residence times. More persistent forms of organic C include lignin, humus, organic matter
encapsulated in soil aggregates, and charcoal. These resist alteration and have long residence
times.

[9]
Chloride:
The chloride ion is the anion (negatively charged ion) Cl−. It is formed when
the element chlorine (a halogen) gains an electron or when a compound such as hydrogen
chloride is dissolved in water or other polar solvents. Chloride salts such as sodium chloride are
often very soluble in water. It is an essential electrolyte located in all body fluids responsible for
maintaining acid/base balance, transmitting nerve impulses and regulating liquid flow in and out
of cells. Less frequently, the word chloride may also form part of the "common" name
of chemical compounds in which one or more chlorine atoms are covalently bonded. For
example, methyl chloride, with the standard name chloromethane (see IUPAC books) is an
organic compound with a covalent C−Cl bond in which the chlorine is not an anion.

Determination of parameters:
Requirements- Distilled water and pH meter.
Method- Take 10 gm of air-dry soil/sediment and add 100 ml of distilled water to make a
suspension of 1:10 w/v dilution. Determine the pH of suspension.
Observation table
Sample Sample description PH
discription

S1 Acidic 5

[10]
 S2 Acidic 5

S3 Acidic 5

S4 Normal 6

S5 Normal 6

S6 Normal 6

Chloride:
Requirements- Filter paper (Whatman no. 44), weight box, physical balance, distilled water etc.
Procedure- Take 10 gm of soil/sediment and add 100 ml of distilled water to prepare a 1:10 w/v
suspension. Filter it through a filter paper and estimate the chloride in filtrate following the
method given for water.
Observation table
SI no Initial Final reading(gm) Difference Amount of cl-
reading (gm) Y (Y-X) in gm (ppm)
X
1 0 14 14 6.95
2 0 14 14 6.95
3 0 10 10 9.94
4 0 08 08 8.84
5 0 09 09 9.84
6 0 10 10 9.94

Calculations
N1V1 = N2V2
N 1V 1
N2 =
V2
Where, N2 = Normality of sample
N1 = Normality of AgNo3 , V1 = burette reading, V2= volume of sample

Calcium
Requirements- Filter paper (Whatman no. 50), flask, distilled water, beaker etc.

[11]
Reagents- (a.)Ethyl alcohol- absolute and 40 %. (b.)Ammonium acetate solution (1N) - Take 57
ml of glacial acetate acid and dilute it to 800 ml with distilled water. Add gradually the
concentration ammonium hydroxide solution till pH 7.0 is attained. Further add distilled water to
make the final volume 1 liter.
Procedure- Air dries the soil/sediment and takes 50 gm of it in a flask. Add 100 ml of 40% of
ethyl alcohol, shake well, wait for about 10 minutes, and filter the suspension through filter
paper.Transfer the residue to a beaker, add 100 ml of ammonium acetate solution, stir and allow
standing overnight. Filter the supernatant through filter paper and collect the filtrate .Note the
total volume of soil extract.
Observation table
SI no Initial reading Final reading(gm) Y Difference Amount of Ca
(gm) X (Y-X) in gm (ppm)
1 00 20 10 200
2 00 24 24 240
3 00 19.5 19.5 195
4 00 20.5 20.5 205
5 00 18 18 180
6 00 18.5 18.5 185
Calculations
BR X N X 1000
Amount of Ca = X 20
sample taken

Magnesium:
Requirements- Filter paper (Whatmann no. 50), all material including reagents, required for
determination of magnesium in water etc.
Reagents- (a.)Ethyl alcohol- Absolute and 40%. (b.)Ammonium acetate solution- Take 57 ml of
glacial acetate acid and dilute it to 800 ml with distilled water. Add gradually the concentration
ammonium hydroxide solution till pH 7.0 is attained. Further add distilled water to make the final
volume 1 liter.
Procedure- Prepare the soil extract as in case of determination of calcium. Find out magnesium
content in the extract following the method given for determination of magnesium in water.
Observation table
SI no Initial Final reading(gm) Difference Amount of Mg
reading (gm) Y (Y-X) in gm (ppm)
X
1 00 40 40 50
2 00 46 46 41.75
3 00 38 38 50
4 00 40 40 20
5 00 39 39 41
6 00 39 39 41
Calculations –
Amount of Mg = (Amount of Ca – Amount of eq Mg)

[12]
 BR X N X 1000
Amount of eq Mg =
sample taken
Where, BR = burette reading, N = Normality OF EDTA
Organic matter
Requirements- Laboratory glassware, flask etc.
Reagents-
(a.)Potassium dichromate solution (1N)- Dissolve 49.04 gm of potassium dichromate in distilled
water to prepare 1liter of solution.
(b.)Sulphuric acid (concentrated)
(c.) Phosphoric acid (concentration)
(d.)Sodium fluoride- Dry, powdered
(e.) Diphenylamine indicator- Dissolve 0.25 gm of diphenylamine in 10 ml of distilled water and
add gradually 50 ml of concentrated sulphuric acid.
(f.) Ferrous ammonium sulphate solution (0.5N)- Add 20 ml of concentrated sulphuric acid to
800 ml of distilled water and dissolve in it 196.1 gm of ferrous ammonium sulphate. Further add
distilled water to make the volume 1 liter.
Procedure- Air-dry the soil/sediment and take 0.5 gm of it in 500 ml Erlenmeyer flask. Add10
ml of potassium dichromate solution and gradually 20 ml of sulphuric acid. Wait for about half
an hour, and the add 200 ml of distilled water, 10 ml of phosphoric acid, 0.2 gm of sodium
fluoride and 1 ml of diphenylamine indicator. Titrate the contents against ferrous ammonium
sulphate solution, at the end point the dull green colour changes through turbid blue to the
brilliant green.

Observation table

SI no Initial reading Final reading(gm) Y Difference Amount of carbon

(gm) X (Y-X) in gm (ppm)

1 00 02 02 0.9

2 00 02 02 0.6

3 00 01 01 0.9

[13]
 4 00 1.5 1.5 0.6

5 00 02 02 0.9

6 00 1.5 1.5 0.6

Calculation
(B−M ) X 0.003
Percentage of carbon = X 100
wieght of sample
Where ,
B = blank titration ,
M = main titration

Graphs :
PH:

PH
6.2
6 6 6
6

5.8

5.6

5.4 PH

5.2
5 5
5 5

4.8

4.6

4.4
sample 1 sample 2 sample 3 sample 4 sample 5 sample 6

Chloride

[14]
 chloride
12
9.94
9.94 9.84
10
8.84

8 6.95 6.95
chloride
6

0
sample 1 sample 2 sample 3 sample 4 sample 5 sample 6

Calcium:

calcium
300

250 240
200 205
195
200 180 185
calcium
150

100

50

0
sample 1 sample 2 sample 3 sample 4 sample 5 sample 6

Magnesium

[15]
 60
magnesium
50
50
50
41.75 41
41
40

30
magnesium
20
20

10

0
sample 1 sample 2 sample 3 sample 4 sample 5 sample 6

Organic matter:

organic matter
1
0.9 0.9 0.9
0.9
0.8
0.7 0.60000000000000 0.60000000000000
1 1 0.60000000000000
0.6 1 organic matter
0.5
0.4
0.3
0.2
0.1
0
sample 1 sample 2 sample 3 sample 4 sample 5 sample 6

Results :

[16]
 parameters S1 S2 S3 S4 S5 S6

PH 5 5 5 6 6 6

chloride 6.95 6.95 9.94 8.84 9.84 9.94

calcium 200 240 195 205 180 185

magnesium 50 41 50 20 41 41

Organic matter 0.9 0.6 0.9 0.6 0.9 0.6

Result and discussion:

The characteracstics of soil within the selected region of koppal,are calculated by standerd
methods as explained in the experimental,before the analysis of soil taken many factors into
consideration
PH of all soil samples should be in the Acidic range
There is an significant diffrance of bulk density values between natural forest sites and cultivated
sites .the statistically significant higher bulk density of tea cultivation soil and natural soil
Soil texture according to particle size classifications,soils of investigation area generally sandy
clay loam S1 and S5 is having highest percentage of sand ,while all other having moderate
percentage of soil.
Specific gravity and moisture content are the simple parameters of soil samples where the
observation tables contains S3 is having lower value compared to others while S5 is having
highest specific gravity while all others having similar values in observation
Water holding capacity is an parameter where the holding capacity of water is to be determined
the S1 and S3 are having same range of values while others are having different values for the
soil water holding capacity
Calcium and magnesium are two similar parameters where the amount of Ca and Mg is to be
determined here the determined observations shows the S1 is having highest Ca content and S4
is the lower one ,and for Mg S1 is lowest and S1 is an highest one .

[17]
Conclusion :

According to the study the study findings ,as the result of agricultural production in the cultivated
land ,there was a decrease in plant nutrients and physical decomposition .depending upon low
level of organic compound in these lands ,the physical structures of land should be applied by
organic fertilizers and they must be enriched in plant nutrients the cultivation of land should be in
minimum depth tillage should be managed to avoid formation of flow pan increasing density .

The periods apart from soft constituensts of soil it should be avoided from unnecessary soil
tillage in addition organic fertilizing and low soil depth ,the management system affected the
change of physical and chemical properties of soil thus the change of soil properties of soils
under a different , management systems should be considered as sustainable products

Reference :
1.Sikora, F. J. 2006. A Buffer that Mimics the SMP Buffer for Determining Lime Requirement of
Soil. Soil Sci. Soc. Am. J. 70:474-486 (2006).
2.Sims, J. T. 1996. Lime Requirement. p. 491-515. In: Methods of Soil Analysis, Part 3—Chemical
Methods. Soil Science Society of America, Madison, WI, USA.
3.Watson, M. E. and J.R. Brown. 1998. pH and Lime Requirement, p. 13-16. In: Recommended
Chemical Soil Test Procedures for the North Central Region. NCR Publication No. 221. Missouri
Agricultural Experiment Station, Columbia, MO, USA.

4.Warncke, D. and J.R. Brown. 1998. Potassium and other basic cations, p. 31-33. In:
Recommended Chemical Soil Test Procedures for the North Central Region. NCR Publication No.
221. Missouri Agricultural Experiment Station, Columbia, MO, USA.

5.Helmke, P. A. and D. L. Sparks. 1996. Lithium, sodium, potassium, rubidium, and cesium. p.
567-568. In: Methods of Soil Analysis, Part 3—Chemical Methods. Soil Science Society of
America, Madison, WI, USA.

6. Sumner, Malcolm E. (1999-08-31). Soil Scienne Retrieved 2012-11-08.

7. "Soil Sampling for Precision Agriculture". CropWatch. 2015-09-17. Retrieved 2019-05-22.

[18]
[19]