SSCI 170

Soil Chemistry

Laboratory Exercise
Soil Analysis: Exploring Soil pH, Organic matter, Phosphorus and Potassium

for Sustainable Agriculture

I. Introduction

Soil analysis is a crucial practice in agriculture and environmental science that

evaluates soil properties to determine its health and fertility. It focuses on key

parameters such as soil pH, organic matter, phosphorus, and potassium. Maintaining

an optimal pH range is essential for crop growth and nutrient availability. Organic

matter enhances soil fertility and supports a diverse microbial ecosystem. Regular

testing helps ensure adequate phosphorus levels for plant growth without

environmental harm.

Potassium is crucial for plant physiological processes and helps plants

withstand stress conditions. Soil analysis provides valuable insights for tailored

management practices, preventing over- or under-application of fertilizers and

promoting sustainable farming practices.

In conclusion, soil analysis is an essential tool for modern agriculture, promoting

long-term agricultural productivity and environmental.

II. Objectives

1. To evaluate the fertility and nutrition content of the soil.

2. To determine the pH level of the soil if it is alkaline or acidic.

III. Methodology

Analyzing soil pH Sample

Collection:

• Soil samples were collected from various locations within the target area.

• Emphasis was placed on collecting representative samples to ensure the

analysis accurately reflected the diversity of soil conditions.

Preparation:

• The collected soil samples were air-dried to remove excess moisture.

• Any visible debris or foreign material was removed to ensure the purity of the

samples.

Measurement:

• Soil pH was measured using various methods, including pH meters.

• A portion of each soil sample was mixed with distilled water to create a soil

suspension.

• The pH meter was calibrated and inserted into the suspension to measure the

pH level.

Analysis of Organic matter

The method that was used was the Graham colorimetric method Procedure:

• About 1g of soil sample was weighed and recorded as 1.0 something.

• 10 ml of K2Cr2O7 solution was added to the soil sample and mixed.

 • Then, 20 ml of H2SO4 was added to the mixture and mixed for 15 seconds.

• The mixture was left for 30 minutes.

• After that, 60 ml of distilled water was added to the mixture and mixed.

• The mixture was left overnight.

• The percentage transmittance (% T) was read at 6:25 am.

Analysis of Soil Phosphorous

The method that was used was the Modified Truog method.

Procedure:

• About 1g of soil was weighed and recorded.

• A 100 ml plastic bottle with a cover was prepared.

• 100 ml of extractant was added to the plastic bottle using a graduated cylinder.

• The bottle was then placed on an orbital shaker and shaken for 30 minutes.

• After shaking, the mixture was filtered using a folded or spilled funnel with

Whatman #42 filter paper.

Analysis of Soil Potassium

The method that was used was the Flamephotometer method Procedure:

• About 4g of soil was weighed and recorded.

• A 50 ml Nalgene bottle was prepared.

• 20 ml of ammonium acetate solution (extracting solution) was added to the

 Nalgene bottle.

• The bottle was then placed on an orbital shaker and shaken vigorously for 5

minutes.

• After shaking, the mixture was filtered using #42 whatman filter paper.

IV. Results and Discussion

Soil pH

The pH measurement of a soil sample at 7.2 indicates a slightly alkaline

condition, which can have both positive and negative effects on plant growth.
Soil Organic Matter
SOIL ORGANIC MATTER

LAB CODE Sample Reading a b SLOPE Y=a+bx %OM Approx. % N Standards

Weight (g) (%T) INTERCE (%C)
PT
Mangligot 1.1319 60 3.52 -0.04 1.24 2.13 0.11 Concentration %T
Saludez 1.0504 73.3 3.52 -0.04 0.73 1.25 0.06 0 100
Galapia 1.0322 51.7 3.52 -0.04 1.55 2.68 0.13 0.3 86.1
Honorio 1.0734 27.5 3.52 -0.04 2.48 4.27 0.21 0.6 72.3
Reyes 1.0489 66.6 3.52 -0.04 0.98 1.70 0.08 0.9 63
Caluducan 1.0175 47.1 3.52 -0.04 1.73 2.98 0.15 1.5 46.9
Caina 1.0106 23.5 3.52 -0.04 2.63 4.53 0.23 1.8 40
Ilac 1.0252 81.2 3.52 -0.04 0.43 0.73 0.04 2.1 34.7
Galam 1.0297 37.7 3.52 -0.04 2.09 3.60 0.18 2.4 30.4
Sagsagat 1.0966 66.5 3.52 -0.04 0.99 1.70 0.09 2.7 25.9
Nazarena 1.0081 70 3.52 -0.04 0.85 1.47 0.07 3.0 23.4
Nazaren 1.0585 61 3.52 -0.04 1.20 2.06 0.10 -0.038157185 b slope
Robles 1.0426 52.8 3.52 -0.04 1.51 2.60 0.13 3.524476077 a intercept
Adaon 1.0686 23.7 3.52 -0.04 2.62 4.52 0.23

Pambid 1.0426 61.1 3.52 -0.04 1.19 2.06 0.10

The computation for organic matter content in soil based on the provided data

appears sufficient. The results are more reliable when the Graham colorimetric

approach is used combined with a thorough process that includes sample preparation

and % T measurement. The accuracy of the computation is further supported by the

inclusion of calibration standards and a regression equation for % T measurements.

Overall, the scientific approach is thorough and provides insightful information on the

amount of organic matter in the soil, which is important for managing agriculture and

the environment.

Soil Phosphorous
SOIL PHOSPHORUS

Codes Weight %T Abs Intercep Slope ppm P sol'n ppm P Sample STANDARDS
(reading (2- t (Absintercept)/slope (ppm sol'n * 100)/ (4ppm)
sprectro) LOG10(%T)) weight
Mangligot 1.1181 4.8 1.32 0.034 0.712 1.81 161.46 stds Conc. %T log 10 Abs
Saludez 1.0902 2.0 1.70 0.034 0.712 2.34 214.61 0 100 2.00 0.00
Galapia 1.0275 8.4 1.08 0.034 0.712 1.46 142.46 0.2 72.5 1.86 0.14
Honorio 1.0297 9.3 1.03 0.034 0.712 1.40 136.12 0.4 57.3 1.76 0.24
Reyes 1.0064 0.3 2.52 0.034 0.712 3.50 347.53 0.6 30.4 1.48 0.52
Caluducan 1.0836 0.4 2.40 0.034 0.712 3.32 306.57 0.8 17.4 1.24 0.76
Caina 1.0465 1.6 1.80 0.034 0.712 2.48 236.58 1.2 13.5 1.13 0.87
Ilac 1.0579 6.4 1.19 0.034 0.712 1.63 154.05 1.4 8.5 0.93 1.07
Galam 1.0644 4.1 1.39 0.034 0.712 1.90 178.65 1.8 5.9 0.77 1.23
Sagsagat 1.0692 4.5 1.35 0.034 0.712 1.84 172.53
Nazarena 1.0209 4.6 1.34 0.034 0.712 1.83 179.38 slope 0.71155

Nazaren 1.0112 0.5 2.30 0.034 0.712 3.19 315.05 intercept 0.0342

Robles 1.0653 1.5 1.82 0.034 0.712 2.52 236.11

Adaon 1.029 1.5 1.82 0.034 0.712 2.52 244.44

Pambid 1.0019 1.1 1.96 0.034 0.712 2.70 269.94

Based on the provided data and methodology of the Modified Truog method,

the computation of soil phosphorus content appears to be sufficient. The thorough

procedure, which includes sample preparation and extraction procedures, calibration

standards, and a regression equation for %T measurements, improves the accuracy

of the results. Overall, the analytical approach is thorough, offering valuable

information on soil phosphorus levels that are critical for agricultural and sustainable

development choices.
Soil Potassium
SOIL POTASSIUM

LAB CODE WEIGHT % Trans Intercep Slope conc in soln ppm K With df Standards % Trans
t (%T (conc in solution *
intercept)*slope DF)
Mangligot 4.0112 56.6 -1.3565 1.1722 67.94 338.73 Y X

Saludez 4.0627 2.5 -1.3565 1.1722 4.52 22.25 0 0

Galapia 4.0808 50.5 -1.3565 1.1722 60.79 297.91 5 5

Honorio 4.0894 66.1 -1.3565 1.1722 79.07 386.72 10 9.5

Reyes 4.0606 61.1 -1.3565 1.1722 73.21 360.59 20 19.5

Caluducan 4.0464 68.5 -1.3565 1.1722 81.89 404.73 25 23.5

Caina 4.0115 2.1 -1.3565 1.1722 4.05 20.20 40 36.6

Ilac 4.0265 42.6 -1.3565 1.1722 51.53 255.93 60 50.5

Galam 4.0678 2.5 -1.3565 1.1722 4.52 22.23 SLOPE 1.1722

Sagsagat 4.0652 63.5 -1.3565 1.1722 76.02 374.03 INTERCEP -1.3565

Nazarena 4.0542 47.4 -1.3565 1.1722 57.15 281.94 RSQ 0.995223

Nazaren 4.0831 2.4 -1.3565 1.1722 4.40 21.57

Robles 4.0420 2.1 -1.3565 1.1722 4.05 20.05

Adaon 4.0481 64.8 -1.3565 1.1722 77.55 383.14

Pambid 4.0104 77.6 -1.3565 1.1722 92.55 461.56

Based on the provided data and the Flamephotometer method utilized, the

computation of soil potassium content seems to be sufficient. The method's detailed

procedure, including sample preparation and extraction steps, enhances the

reliability of the results. Additionally, the calibration standards, slope, intercept, and

coefficient of determination (RSQ) provide further validation of the analysis. Overall,

the methodological approach appears comprehensive, offering valuable insights into

soil potassium levels essential for agricultural and environmental management

decisions.

V. Conclusion

In summary, soil pH, organic matter content, phosphorus, and potassium levels

provide a comprehensive overview of key soil parameters crucial for agricultural

productivity and environmental sustainability. The pH measurement of 7.6 indicates a

slightly alkaline soil condition, which necessitates tailored soil management practices

to optimize nutrient availability and crop growth while considering broader

environmental implications. Furthermore, the computations for organic matter,

phosphorus, and potassium content appears to be sufficient, demonstrate thorough

analytical approaches, incorporating detailed methodologies, calibration standards,

and regression equations to ensure accuracy and reliability. Collectively, these findings

underscore the importance of comprehensive soil management strategies that

consider various soil properties to support sustainable agriculture and ecosystem

health. By understanding and addressing these factors, users especially farmers, can

make informed decisions to enhance soil fertility, crop productivity, and environmental

sustainability for present and future generations.

References:

Brady, N. C., & Weil, R. R. (2016). The Nature and Properties of Soils (15th ed.).
Pearson.

Brevik, E. C., & Burgess, L. C. (2014). Soil and Environmental Science Dictionary.
CRC Press.

Submitted by:
Sarah Jean M. Robles
BSA-SSCI III