EXPERIMENT 7 :

SOIL PH

EXPERIMENT 8:
ELECTRICAL CONDUCTIVITY

NAME:
1. NURUL NADIAH BINTI NOH (2022615648)

NAME OF LECTURER:

DR. NURZULAIFA SHAHEERA ARNE

BINTI MOHD YASIM
EXPERIMENT 7: SOIL PH

1.0 INTRODUCTION

The pH is determined by measuring the concentration of H+, which is expressed as

–log10 [H+], where [H+] is the hydrogen ion concentration expressed in units of mol per litre
(mol L-1) or g L-1.In 1909, a Danish scientist from Carlsberg Laboratory presented the Ph
idea.Since the Ph is logarithmic, a unit decrease in the Ph causes the [H+] in the solution to rise
10 times.For instance, the [H+] is 10-1 M at Ph 1 and 10-2 M at Ph 2.The pH of the soil can vary
from 3 to 9.highly acidic (Ph<0.5), moderately to slightly acidic (5.0-6.5), neutral (6.5-7.5),
moderately alkaline (7.5-8.5), and highly alkaline (>8.5) are the different categories of soil pH.
High rainfall locations often have acidic soils, whereas drier places have alkaline soils.Because
of the calcium carbonate (CaCO3) in the soil, the coastal regions are excessively alkaline.Ph
levels in the sodium-rich sodic soils are more than 8.5.

The pH level of the soil affects several processes, including the solubility of potentially
harmful nutritional components, the physical disintegration of root cells, the ability of the soil to
exchange ions with colloids (such as humus and clay), and biological activity. At high pH values,
phosphorus (P) and most other micronutrients become less accessible, with the exception of
boron (B) and molybdenum (MO). Low pH levels usually cause Al toxicity in addition to other
trace element and nutrient inaccessibility problems for plants. Consequently, soil pH is one of
the most regularly utilised metrics in soil labs. In this experiment, the pH of soil from a 1:1 (soil:
water-w/v) solution will be measured using a pH metre equipped with a combination electrode.

2.0 OBJECTIVE

1. To determine soil pH of 2 soil samples based on standard method

2. To identify the soil acidity and hydrogen ion concentration based on the measured pH

3.0 METHOD

1. A 2-mm-sized soil sample (0–10 cm) was obtained from another location, air dried, and
sieved.
2. Weighing 50g of air-dried material, it was then put into a 100mL beaker.
3. With a graduated cylinder, 50 mL of DI water was introduced.
4. After thoroughly mixing the concoction with the glass rod, it was let to stand for thirty
minutes.
5. During that time, the mixture was stirred every ten minutes.
6. After an hour, the mixture was stirred and combined with an electrode suspended about
3 cm deep. A 30-second reading was then taken. The information was noted in the table.
7. After removing the combined electrode from the suspension, it was thoroughly rinsed
with DI water in a different beaker, and any excess water was carefully dried with tissue.
4.0 RESULT AND DATA

5.0 INTERPRETATION

The recorded data show that the average pH of the two types of surface and subsurface
soil is less than 6.0. Hence, a pH of less than 6.0 is classified as very acidic. Consequently, it
suggests that there is a significant concentration of hydrogen ions [H+]. However, the pH of
exposed soil is above 5.00, which is a little higher than that of subterranean soil.soil that is
categorised as moderately acidic since its pH of 6.0 is almost rich. Known to be vulnerable to
surface soil, it is reliant on numerous aspects that may alter the interactions between soil
particles. Compaction is one of the reasons because it modifies the net charges of the
molecules in the soil. Then, this influence contributes to the soil's pH values fluctuating.

6.0 ERROR ANALYSIS

The number of nutrients and compounds that dissolve in soil water is influenced by the
pH of the soil, and this in turn influences the amount of nutrients that are essential for plant
growth. While certain nutrients are easier to get in acidic conditions, others are easier to access
in alkaline settings. On the other hand, almost neutral pH soil is accessible and provides plants
with the maximum amount of mineral nutrients. Extremely acidic soils (pH values below 6.0) can
arise as a result of one or more poor plant development factors, such as aluminium toxicity,
manganese poisoning, or a lack of essential minerals, calcium, and magnesium nutrients for
plants, such as phosphorus and molybdenum.
7.0 SUGGESTION ANALYSIS

One of the best methods to change the pH of the soil's acidity is to add compost.
Applying an alkaline source, such pulverised limestone, to acid soil gives an option. For a
certain crop, the pH of the soil can be adjusted by adding lime or dolomite if it is too low. To
neutralise an acidic pH, varying quantities of lime or dolomite are required, depending on the
kind of soil. Because clay and heavy organic matter soils are more resistant to pH changes,
higher treatment rates are needed for these types of soils. While soil pH does suggest the need
for lime, it is not a good indicator of how much lime is needed. It is best to consult local
agricultural extension agents, organic farmer groups, and academic institutions before applying
chemicals to change the pH of the soil.

8.0 SAFETY ANALYSIS

A low pH variance (less than 0.5) in the same soil sample results points to a reliable
methodology and high levels of trust in the conclusions. Every measurement session requires
the calibration of a pH metre using a known buffer solution in order to ensure proper use. In this
manner, the metre will be prepared for its introduction into the sample. Furthermore, in the event
that the metre runs on batteries, they need to be checked before each use. pH measurements
that are off will result from a poor or insufficient power supply. Actually, pH is also affected by
temperature. As the temperature rises, the pH decreases, indicating an increase in acidity. It is
recommended that you test the sample at the same temperature as your buffering solutions in
order to obtain a genuine and accurate value. If it calibrates at room temperature as well, it must
test there as well. This suggests that the best course of action is to rapidly cool a small sample
to room temperature before testing for warmth. If not, there may be significant variations in the
pH readings.

9.0 CONCLUSION

In conclusion, two soil samples were judged to be severely acidic since the pH of the
samples was discovered to be lower than 6.0 using the standard technique. It thus has a high
concentration of hydrogen ions based on the observed pH.

10.0 REFERENCES

Soil Organic Carbon Content - ESDAC - European Commission. (n.d.).

https://esdac.jrc.ec.europa.eu/themes/soil-organic-carbon-content

Understanding soil pH. (n.d.). https://extension.psu.edu/understanding-soil-ph

[email protected]. (2023, August 8). The four things you need to know

about soil pH - FineGardening. FineGardening.

https://www.finegardening.com/article/the-four-things-you-need-to-know-ab

out-soil-ph
EXPERIMENT 8: ELECTRICAL CONDUCTIVITY

1.0 INTRODUCTION

The ability of a material to conduct electrical current through an aqueous solution is

measured by its electrical conductivity (EC), which is measured in Siemens per unit surface

(dS/cm, or deciSiemens per centimetre) units. The more dissolved the material is in a water or

soil sample, the higher the EC would be in that material. The electrical resistance of a 1:5

soil:water suspension is measured with a conductivity cell to provide electrical conductivity (EC),

which is commonly used to calculate the number of soluble (salt) ions in soil. The experiment

employed deionized water (DI) with a CO2 content no more than atmospheric equilibrium and

an electrical conductivity of less than 3 μS/cm.

2.0 OBJECTIVE

1. To determine electrical conductivity of two different type soil suspension.

2. To compare the electrical conductivity and amount of soluble (salts) ions in the soil of two

different types.

3. To identify USDA soil class based on the conductivity data.

3.0 METHOD

1. 10 g of air-dry soil (<2 mm) into a beaker and 50 mL DI water was added. Then, it was

shaken at 15 rpm for 1 hr.

2. The suspension was filtered using a round Whatman No. 42 filter paper, fitted in the

Buchner funnel and connected to the vacuum pump. The filtration was continued until

the soil on the Buchner funnel started cracking. Step 1-2 was repeated if the filtrate is not

clear.
 3. The conductivity metre was calibrated using the KCl reference solution to obtain the cell

constant.

4. The cell was rinsed thoroughly. The electrical conductivity of the 0.01 M KCl was

measured at the same temperature as the soil suspensions.

5. The clear filtrate was transferred into the 50 mL bottle and the conductivity was

measured using the calibrated conductivity metre.

6. The conductivity cell was removed from the filtration, was rinsed thoroughly with DI

water, and dry water was carefully dried with a tissue. The data was recorded in table

4.2b.

4.0 RESULT AND DATA

5.0 CALCULATION
6.0 INTERPRETATION

The experiment's objective was to learn more about the specific processes by which the

conductivity of the soil influences its properties. Two different types of soil which is red soil and

black soil were used as soil samples for this experiment. Subsequently, these two soils were

mixed together with DI water in a beaker and agitated at 15 rpm. A Buchner funnel was then

used to filter the suspension, and the calibration procedure was completed. Each soil has a

unique value based on the data that was recorded and gathered. The masses of these two soils

were about equal, weighing 10,000 g each. To understand further specifics about this data, one

may next compute the electrical conductivity (EC). Before calculating the EC, the measured EC

of the suspension (S) and the measured EC of the KCl solution (K) should be determined. Black

dirt scored higher than red soil. These differences could have resulted from black soil having

more soluble salt. As the amount of soluble salt in the soil increases, the EC will eventually

climb. EC is naturally influenced by soil minerals, climate, and texture. Other factors include bulk

density, soil structure, water potential, timing of measurements, soil aggregation, and

electrolytes in soil water. Salts come from the weathering and decomposition of rocks and

minerals. Additionally, the USDA class of both soil samples was A, meaning that the soil has a

high rate of infiltration and limited possibility for runoff even when completely saturated. They

are mostly composed of deep, highly water-transmitting sands or gravels that drain excessively.

The soil categorization system in the Minnesota Stormwater Manual. The electrical conductivity

value of the experiment showed that the red soil is less than the black soil.
7.0 ERROR ANALYSIS

It's probable that this experiment had some mistakes. For example, the unsuitable sieve

that was employed might have led to an inaccurate estimate of the amount of dirt needed. When

the cap was not tightened, the suspension started to leak, which made the suspension wobble.

8.0 SAFETY ANALYSIS

It is important to adhere to the established safety protocols for laboratories. For instance,

wear suitable attire and covered shoes when conducting the experiment. Furthermore,

authorised waste disposal methods will be employed to get rid of any unused or leftover

samples.

9.0 CONCLUSION

As a result of the main goal being accomplished, this experiment was deemed

successful. The experiment yielded measurements of the EC of suspension (S) for red soil of

5.61 x 〖10〗^(-4) dS/m and 7.86 x 〖10〗^(-4) dS/m for black soil. Subsequently, the EC

values for red and black soil are 0.0586 and 0.0802 dS/m, respectively.

10.0 REFERENCES

Crostack, H. (2001). NDT of coatings, surface modified layers, and adhesives. In

Elsevier eBooks (pp. 5977–5979).

https://doi.org/10.1016/b0-08-043152-6/01044-5

Admin. (2022, September 14). Electrical conductivity - Conductivity of water and

saltwater, specific conductance, FAQs. BYJUS.

https://byjus.com/physics/conductivity-of-water/
Libretexts. (2021, February 3). 6.8A: Electrical conductivity and Resistivity.

Chemistry LibreTexts.

https://chem.libretexts.org/Bookshelves/Inorganic_Chemistry/Map%3A_Ino

rganic_Chemistry_(Housecroft)/06%3A_Structures_and_Energetics_of_Met

allic_and_Ionic_solids/6.08%3A_Bonding_in_Metals_and_Semicondoctors/

6.8A%3A_Electrical_Conductivity_and_Resistivity