1

1. INTRODUCTION
Soil is a natural body consisting of layers (soil horizons) of mineral
constituents of variable thicknesses, which differ from the parent
materials in their morphological, physical chemical and mineralogical
characteristics. It is composed of particles of broken rock that have been
altered by chemical and environmental processes that include
weathering and erosion. Soil differs from its parent rock due to
interactions between the lithosphere hydrosphere atmosphere and the
biosphere. It is mixture of mineral and organic constituents that are in
solid, gaseous and aqueous states.

Soil particles pack loosely, forming a soil structure filled with pore
spaces. These pores contain soil solution (liquid) and air (gas).
Accordingly, soils are often treated as a three state system. Most soils
have a density between 1 and 2 g/cm³.Soil is also known as earth: it is
the substance from which our planet takes its name. Little of the soil
composition of planet Earth is older than the Tertiary and most no older
than the Pleistocene.

SOIL may be defined as a thin layer of earth's crust which serves as a

natural medium for growth of plants. It is the unconsolidated mineral
matter that has been subjected to, an influenced by, genetic and
environmental factors-parent material, climate, organisms and
topography all acting over a period of time Soil differs from
the parent material in the morphological, physical, chemical and
biological properties. Also, soils differ among themselves in some or all
the properties, depending on the differences in the genetic and
environmental factors. Thus some soils are red, some are black; some
are deep and some are shallow; some are coarse textured and some
are fine-textured. They serve as a reservoir of nutrient and water for
crops; provide mechanical anchorage and favorable tilts. The
components of soil are mineral matter, organic matter, water and air, the
proportions of which vary and which together form a system for plant
growth ; hence the need to study the soil in perspective.
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2. SOIL ANALYSIS TERMS

Soil PH

The soil pH measures active soil acidity or alkalinity. A pH of 7.0 is neutral. Values
lower than 7.0 are acid; values higher are alkaline. Usually the most desirable pH
range for mineral soils is 6.0 to 7.0 and for organic soils 5.0 to 5.5. The soil pH is the
value that should be maintained in the pH range most desirable for the crop to be
grown.

Buffer PH

This is an index value used for determining the amount of lime to apply on acid soils
to bring the pH to the desired pH for the crop to be grown. The lower the buffer pH
reading the higher the lime requirement.

Phosphorus

The phosphorus test measures that phosphorus that should be available to the plant.
The optimum level will vary with crop, yield and soil conditions, but for most field
crops a medium to optimum rating is adequate. For soils with pH above 7.3 the
sodium bicarbonate test will determine the available P.

Potassium

This test measures available potassium. The optimum level will vary with crop, yield,
soil type, soil physical condition, and other soil related factors. Generally higher
levels of potassium are needed on soils high in clay and organic matter versus soils,
which are sandy and low in organic matter. Optimum levels for light-colored, coarse-
textured soils may range from 90 to 125 ppm (180 to 250 lbs/ac). On dark-colored
heavy-textured soils levels ranging from 125 to 200 ppm (250 to 400 lbs/ac) may be
required.

Calcium

Primarily soil type, drainage, liming and cropping practices affect the levels of
calcium found in the soil. Calcium is closely related to soil pH. Calcium deficiencies
are rare when soil pH is adequate. The level for calcium will vary with soil type, but
optimum ranges are normally in the 65% to 75% cation saturation range.

Magnesium

The same factors, which affect calcium levels in the soil, also influence magnesium
levels except magnesium deficiencies are more common. Adequate magnesium
levels range from 30 to 70 ppm (60 to 140 lbs/ac). The cation saturation for
magnesium should be 10 to 15%
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Sulphur

the soil test measures sulfate-sulfur. This is a readily available from preferred by
most plants. Soil test levels should be maintained in the optimum range. It's
important that other soil factors, including organic matter content, soil texture and
drainage be taken into consideration when interpreting sulfur soil test and predicting
crop response.

Boron

The readilysoluble boron is extracted from the soil. Boron will most likely be deficient
in sandy soils, low in organic matter with adequate rainfall. Soil pH, organic matter
level and texture should be considered in interpreting the boron test, as well as the
crop to be grown.

Copper

Copper is most likely to be deficient on low organic matter sandy soils, or organic
soils. The crop to be grown, soil texture, and organic matter should be considered
when interpreting copper tests. A rating of medium to optimum should be
maintained.

Iron

Soil pH is a very important factor in interpreting iron tests. In addition, crops vary a
great deal in sensitivity to iron deficiency. Normally a medium level would be
adequate for most soils. If iron is needed it would be best applied foliar.

Manganese Soil

pH is especially important in interpreting manganese test levels.. In addition, soil

organic matter, crop and yield levels must be considered. Manganese will work best
if applied foliar or banded in the soil.

Zinc

other factors, which should be considered in interpreting the zinc test include
available phosphorus, pH, and crop and yield level. For crops that have a good
response to zinc, the soil test level should be optimum.

Sodium

Sodium is not an essential plant nutrient but is usually considered in light of its effect
on the physical condition of the soil.
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3. SAMPLING AREA

Sample No.1

1 Farmer name Sutar Subhash Ramchandra

2 Address At/ Post Marali Tal Patan Dist

satara
3 Soil Type Black Soil

4 Water Supply No

5 Date 12/01/2025

6 Crop Jowar

Sample No.2

1 Farmer name Pati krushnat shirang

2 Address At/ Post Patan Tal Patan Dist

satara
3 Soil Type Red Soiil

4 Water Supply Yes

5 Date 11/01/2025

6 Crop Rice

Sample No.3

1 Farmer name Shinde Yashwant Hanmant

2 Address At/ Post Divshi Tal Patan

Dist satara
3 Soil Type Black Soiil

4 Water Supply Yes

5 Date 12/01/2025

6 Crop Rice
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4) ELECTRICAL CONDUCTIVITY

1. First Dissolve 20 gm soil in 100 ml beaker containing 50 ml distilled water in it.

2. Hence take soil and water in the ratio 1:2.5.

3. Stirr the solution with the help of glass ród for one hour.

4. After stirring the solution for one hour deep the electrode into clear solution of soil
in the beaker. Take reading of electrical conductivity with the help of conductivity

CONDUCTIVITY
The EC of the soil gives a measure of the soluble salt content of the soil. It is
observed that the entire sample from the area under study exhibits EC has less than
1M mhos/cm except only two samples.

Reading of soil on the basis of Electric Conductivity.

EC Range(M mhos/cm) Rating

0-1 Good soil

1-2 Poor seed emergence

2-3 Harmful to some crops

3-4 Harmful to most of the crops

Declining soil fertility is almost associated with the decline in soil organic matter, with
loss of soil structure, lower water infiltration, soil compaction and increased
frangibility and leaching. Soil animal, bacteria, fungi and plant& animal waste
material always important constituent of the soil. It helps to improve its physical
condition.

Results:

1) sample= 1.32

2) Sample=0.53

3) Sample=1.24
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5. PH PROCEDURE
1.First Dissolve 20 gm soil in 100 ml beaker containing
50 ml distilled water in it.
Denomination pH range
2. Hence take soil and water in the ratio 1:2.5.
<3.5
Ultra acid
3. Stirr the solution with the help of glass rod for one hour.
3.5-4.4
4. After stirring the solution for one hour take reading with Extreme acid
the help of p"metry.
Very strong 4.5-5.0
The soil pH is a measure of the acidity or basicity in soils. acid
pH is defined as the negative logarithm (base 10) of the
activity of hydrogen ions (H+) in solution. It ranges from 0 Strong acid 5.1-5.5
to 14, with 7 being neutral. A pH below 7 is acidic and
above 7 is basic. Soil pH is considered a master variable Moderate
in soils as it controls many chemical processes that take acid 5.6-6.0
place. It specifically affects plant nutrient availability by
controlling the chemical forms of the nutrient. The Slight acid
optimum pH range for most plants is between 6 and 7.5, 6.1-6.5
however many plants have adapted to thrive at pH values
outside this range. Neutral 6.6-7.3

Slightly 7.4-7.8
Classification of soil pH ranges alkaline

Moderately 7.9-8.4
alkaline
The divided States Department of Agriculture Natural
Resources Conservation Service, formerly Soil Strongly 8.5-9.0
Conservation Service classifies soil pH ranges as follows: alkaline

Results: 1) sample=6.8

2) Sample=5.10

3) Sample=7.28
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Second Method of Determination of soil pH Acidity or

Alkalinity
1) Take clean test tube and pour D/W up to 5 ml mark

2) Put 2 gm of soil in test tube with scoop provided

3) Add 0.5 gm of barium sulphate from container no 3

4) Allow the test tube to stand for 20 min with occasional shaking

5) Add 5 drops of indicators no 1 to the above, close the mouth of the tube with clean
rubber stopper and shake the content thoroughly Allow the

soil to the settle down completely

6) Compare the color the upper liquid in test tube with the color chart no 1 and find
out the nearest match with will indicates its pH

7) If the color of upper liquid in the test tube indicator pH near 6 then repeat the
whole expt. Using indicator no 2 instead of indicator no 1 and match the color of
upper liquid with the chart no.2

Result: 1) sample-6.8
2) Sample=5.10

3) Sample=7.28
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Second Method of Determination of soil pH Acidity or

Alkalinity
1) Take clean test tube and pour D/W up to 5 ml mark

2) Put 2 gm of soil in test tube with scoop provided

3) Add 0.5 gm of barium sulphate from container no 3

4) Allow the test tube to stand for 20 min with occasional shaking

5) Add 5 drops of indicators no 1 to the above, close the mouth of the tube with clean
rubber stopper and shake the content thoroughly Allow the

soil to the settle down completely

6) Compare the color the upper liquid in test tube with the color chart no 1 and find
out the nearest match with will indicates its pH

7) If the color of upper liquid in the test tube indicator pH near 6 then repeat the
whole expt. Using indicator no 2 instead of indicator no 1 and match the color of
upper liquid with the chart no.2

Result: 1) sample-6.8
2) Sample=5.10

3) Sample=7.28
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6. ESTIMATION OF AVAILABLE POTASSIUM

Procedure-

1) Take a clean test tube

2) Pour in it Solution from container No 10 up 10ml Mark

3) Add 5gm of soil with the scoop provided to the above solution

4) Shake the solution for one min after closing the tube with rubber stopper and then
filtrate for use at step 8

5) Take another clean test tube

6) Pour solution from container no11 up to 2ml mark

7) Add 6 drops of container no12 to the above without touching the side of the test
tube

8) Take 2 ml of solution from step 4 in a syringe

9) Inject the solution from syringe with force into the another solution at step 7.
Turbidity will develop in the solution after 5 min

10) Compare the turbidity with the color chart no 4

Note: The heavy black lines should be observed through the solution and not the
color. The temperature Should be maintained below 20 degree centigrade through
the

Result:

1) sample=80.81 kg/hect.

2) Sample=86.38kg/hect.

3) Sample=50.48 kg/hect.
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7. ESTIMATION OF PHOSPHATE
Procedure:

1. Take clean test tube.

2. Pour solution from container no.4 in the test tube up to 10ml mark.

3. Add pinch of calico from container no.5 to the above test tube.

4. Add to above 5gm of soil with the scoop provided.

5. Close the tube with clean rubber stopper shake the container thoroughly for 3min
and filter the solution

6. Take the filter the solution up to 2ml mark in another test tube

7. Pour 2ml of solution from container no.6 in the above test tube. containing filtered
the solution

8. Wash the inner side of the test tube with above 2ml distilled water from the wash
bottle keep it this will be required at step no.11

9.Take 66ml of distilled water in 100ml beaker

10. Add to the beaker containing water 0.5ml of the solution from container

no.7

11. Take 1ml of the solution from the beaker and add it to the solution step no8

12. Shake the contain thoroughly after closing the tube with stopper

13.Add distilled water up to 10ml mark in the test tube

14. Compare the color of the solution with color chart no.3

As: solution in container no7.(stannous chloride oxidizes or deteriorates if kept for

more than for three months it should be reduced before use at step no12 of zinc
granola from container no.9 and 2 or 3 drops of hydrochloric acid from container no.8
may be used for reducing the 0.5mlsolution in separate test tube before it is put to
use at step по10

Result:

1) sample=15.58kg/hect.

2) Sample 16.28kg/hect.

3) Sample = 14.8 kg/hect.

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8. ESTIMATION OF ORGANIC CARBON

1) Take a clean test tube & fill it with distilled water up to 10ml mark.

2) Add about 2gm of soil sample with the scoop provided and close the test tube with
a clean stopper.

3) Shake the above thoroughly for 5 min. & quickly take out 0.5 ml of clay suspended
liquid with a clean graduated dropper.

4) Transfer the liquid from the dropper to a clean test tube and add 1ml of solution
from container no.15 and 2ml of solution from container no.16 while swirling test
tube.

5) Keep the test tube half and hour compare the color with the color chart no.7

Result:-1) sample-Below 0.44%

2) Sample Below 0.45%

3) Sample Below 0.85%

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9. Estimation Of Nitrogen
Procedure:-Place 20gm of soil in 100ml distillation flask. Add 20ml distilled
water+100mlNaoH 2.5%-add1ml paraffin wax to avoid frothing-carryout distillation
collecting the distillate in 20 ml boric acid in 150ml beaker with mix Indi.-titrate the
distillate with standard H2SO4 0.02N-end point pink to green-run blank without soil.
Note reading.

Classification for Nitrogen-

•Category Available Nitrogen kg/hect

•Very low <140

• Low 141-240

•Moderate 281-420

• Moderately high 421-560

• High 561-700

• Very high >700

Result:

1) sample-19.3 kg/hect

2) Sample 20.3 kg/hect

3) Sample=37.4kg/hect
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10. Observation Table

Sample/ 1 2 3
Conant

1.32 1.24
EC 0.53

PH 6.8 5.10 7.28

19.3 20.3 37.4

Nkg/hect

80.81 86.38
Kkg/hect 50.48

Pkg/hect 15.58 14.8

16.28

Organic Carbon Below 0.44% Below 0.45% Below 0.85%

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BASELINE STUDY OF SOIL AT DIFFERENT PLACES AT

NEAR PATAN TAHSIL
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12. CONCLUSION
SAMPLE NO. 1

The given sample contains, very low value of N,K& P, is medium& pH gives acidic
value. The land refer to N, P, K type of fertilizer. N containing fertilizer like urea is
useful for this land.

SAMPLE NO. 2

The given sample contains Very low value of N, P is Medium & K is very low & pH
gives highly acidic value. The land refer to N, P, K type of fertilizer. N containing
fertilizer like urea is useful for this land.

SAMPLE NO.3

The given sample contains, very low value of N & P medium, K is very low & pH
gives normal value. The land refer to N, P, K type of fertilizer. N containing fertilizer
like urea is useful for this land.
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13. SUMMARY
1. A soil test measures the relative soil fertility level of a field or area within a field.

2. Soil test are very useful diagnostic tools and that is just what they are ...tools. To
consider a soil test as an infallible predictor of optimum nutrient rates is to misuse it.

3. For soil testing to be even more helpful and reliable in high yield agriculture, there
must be more long term calibration research at high yield levels where the optimum
fertility levels for the soil profile can be defined. This becomes even more important
in site-specific management where we must learn how to manage the highest
yielding areas of high yielding fields as well as the lower yielding areas.

4. Generally in fertilizer recommendation development, the goal is to maintain plant

rutrients at level where the supply will not be a limiting factor at any stage of plant
growth from germination to maturity.

5. Soil test interpretation and recommendation development should be done on a

site-specific long-term basis where the characteristics of both the site and the farmer
are considered.

6. Soil tests are important in planning a long-term fertility program. Sampling

periodically and maintaining records of fertility levels, yields, and all management
practices is a must.
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14.REFFERENCE
The text book of Soil Chemistry by L. Bhattacharya.

The text book of soil chemistry of V.N. Varma

The text book of analytical and industrial chemistry of R.M. Sharma

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15. LITERATURE REVIEW

Many scientists have applied their knowledge on the work of soil fertility. Their
success has bought into light the concept of fertility status of soil.

The theories according to which plants obtain their ash food from stimulate much
work on chemical analysis and study of chemical properties of soil.The attention of
the investigator was focus on the composition of the elements of ash food in plant
and in soil so that the important of the minerals nutrition of the plants was over
estimated.

The growing demand for agriculture produce led to the mechanization of soil
cultivation and stimulates the study of the chemical and physical properties of the
soil.

The top layer of the earth down to the depth, which reaches the main mass of plants
roots.The accumulation in soil of organic substance may depends on the plant roots
at the depth of the mass distribution of roots in the soil does indeed as a rule
correspond to the depth of the humus horizon and to the gradual decreases of
humus content as the depth increases.

According to Gedroic [1872] the absorbing power of soil was a great contribution to
awards the understanding of the chemical properties of soil. it helped a great deal in
the study of soil formation process and rising of the fertility of soil.

The organic substances of soil made it possible zero determine the interdependence
between the chemical of the soils and their chemical properties. Thus was
broadened the field of possible active influence on soil in order to change its physical
&chemical properties with a view to raising a productivity of so