Names:GROUP 1

Mark Jason V. Agcaoili John Michael Pascual

Frances Charlotte Sanguir Domingo Marla Denise Calaramo
Jasmine Coloma Romney Catubay
Jed Clarence Celestino Taylan Roxanne Mae Mariano
Jefferson Umoquit
Section: BSABE-2A
SSCI 22 – Principes of Soil Science
Exercise 6
Soil Testing Using Soil Test Kit

As concerns about fertilizer's environmental impact rise, soil testing gains an

additional significance: identifying areas where fertilizer application is unnecessary or even
harmful. At its core, soil testing helps ensure accurate fertilizer recommendations by
providing a detailed picture of the soil's fertility. Beyond measuring readily available plant
nutrients, this analysis unveils the chemical, physical, and biological properties critical for
healthy plant growth. In essence, soil testing empowers agricultural decisions that are
precise, efficient, cost-effective, and environmentally responsible. It serves as the
cornerstone for understanding a soil's chemical, physical, and biological health. While
nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium remain the primary focus, secondary nutrients like
calcium, sulfur, and magnesium also play crucial roles, and soil testing helps optimize their
levels for optimal plant health.

The Soil Test Kit (STK), a quick and readily available tool developed by BSWM,
empowers farmers with an on-farm method for assessing soil health. This qualitative
method uses color matching to determine soil pH and the key macronutrients: nitrogen,
phosphorus, and potassium (NPK). By equipping farmers with insights into their soil's acidity
and nutrient levels, STK helps optimize fertilization strategies, boosting yields while reducing
costs and minimizing environmental impact. This makes it a valuable farm management tool
for sustainable agricultural practices.

Objective

To determine the pH, nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K) levels in a soil
sample from MMSU field using a Soil Test Kit (STK).

Activity

 Document all steps done using STK

Materials:
  Soil Test Kit (STK) provided by the instructor
 Soil sample with identified location
 Distilled water
 Spoons, spatulas, or other small tools (as per STK instructions)
 Data table or notebook for recording observations and results
Procedure:
1. Preparation:
 Read the STK instructions carefully. Each kit may have a slightly different
procedure, so it's crucial to follow the specific instructions provided.
2. Soil Sampling:
 Collect a representative soil sample from an identified location. Take soil and mix
them in a clean container to obtain a homogenous sample. Avoid areas with obvious
anomalies like compost piles or near trees.
3. Testing:
 Follow the STK instructions for each test (pH, N, P, and K). These typically involve
mixing soil with specific reagents provided in the kit, observing color changes, and
comparing them to color charts or scales.
 Record your observations and results at each step. Note down the color changes, any
reactions, and any readings from meters or strips if included in the kit.
 Repeat the tests for at least two subsamples of the soil to check for accuracy.
4. Cleaning Up:
 Dispose of any used reagents or soil properly as per the STK instructions. Do not
pour them down the drain or discard them in the field.
 Clean all tools and equipment used.
 Wash your hands thoroughly.
5. Report Writing:
 Compile your observations and results into a written report. Include the following
sections:
o Introduction: Briefly state the purpose of the activity and the method used
(STK).
o Materials and Methods: Describe the STK used, and the specific steps
followed for each test.
o Results: Document measured sample interpret your results. Compare them
to reference ranges for common soil types or plant requirements. Discuss any
potential limitations of the STK method.
 Conclusion: Summarize the main findings
 Take pictures of the testing process to document it visually.
 Remember to cite any sources used in your report.
INTRODUCTION
Soil testing kits are nifty tools that help gardeners and farmers gain valuable insights
into their soil's health. By taking a soil sample and running a test with the kit, can unveil
essential information that would otherwise remain hidden. The primary purpose of using a
soil test kit is to assess the levels of major nutrients in the soil, namely nitrogen, phosphorus,
and potassium. These nutrients, often abbreviated as N-P-K, are crucial for plant growth and
development. Knowing their availability in your soil allows you to make informed decisions
about fertilization.

Furthermore, over-fertilizing can be harmful to the environment and can negatively

impact plant health. Conversely, under-fertilizing deprives plants of essential nutrients,
hindering their growth and yield. Soil testing kits help strike a perfect balance, ensuring your
plants get exactly what they need to thrive. Beyond the core N-P-K analysis, some soil test
kits also measure soil pH, which indicates how acidic or alkaline your soil is. Knowing the pH
is important because different plants have varying pH preferences. By understanding your
soil's pH, you can choose plants that are suited to your soil conditions or take steps to adjust
the pH if necessary. Soil testing kits provide a wealth of information at your fingertips,
empowering you to cultivate a thriving garden or farm.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

1. Fill the test tube with soil sample up to the specified level:
 Collect a soil sample from the area you are testing.
 Place the soil into a clean test tube, filling it up to the marked level or to
the desired amount if no mark is specified. Ensure the soil is loosely packed
to allow for accurate testing.
2. Add 7 drops of CPR pH indicator dye:
 Using a dropper or pipette, carefully add exactly 7 drops of the CPR pH
indicator dye to the test tube containing the soil sample. The dye will react
with the soil to indicate its pH level.
3. Mix by gently swirling the test tube 20 times:
 Secure the test tube with a stopper or your thumb and gently swirl it
around 20 times. This ensures that the dye thoroughly mixes with the soil,
allowing for an accurate pH reading.
4. Repeat step 3 after about two minutes and let the test tube stand for 5 minutes:
 Wait for approximately two minutes to allow initial reactions between the
soil and the dye to settle.
 Then, swirl the test tube gently 20 more times.
 Let the test tube stand undisturbed for 5 minutes to allow the color to
develop fully.
5. Compare the soil pH to the corresponding color chart of the pH indicator dye used:
 After the 5 minutes, observe the color of the solution in the test tube.
 Compare this color to the provided color chart that corresponds to the CPR
pH indicator dye to determine the soil's pH level.
6. If soil pH is equal to or greater than 6, repeat steps using BTB instead of CPR. However, if
soil pH is less than or equal to 5, repeat steps 1 to 5 using BCG instead:
 If the initial pH reading from the CPR dye is 6 or higher, repeat the entire
procedure using Bromothymol Blue (BTB) pH indicator dye instead of CPR.
 If the initial pH reading is 5 or lower, repeat the procedure using
Bromocresol Green (BCG) pH indicator dye instead of CPR.
 This step helps to confirm the soil pH within a more specific range using
different dyes suited for different pH ranges.
7. Wash the test tube with tap water and then rinse with distilled water:
 After completing the tests, thoroughly wash the test tube with tap water
to remove any soil and dye residues.
 Rinse the test tube with distilled water to ensure there are no
contaminants that might affect future tests. Distilled water is used because
it is free of impurities that could alter the test results.

RESULTS

Segregating the small particles in the soil & knowing the instructions

Putting the CPR liquid

 Before and after putting CPR

Final Result in CPR & trying BTB

Final Results in BTB

SOIL TEST RESULTS:

Clay & Clay Loam Soil (CPR): pH Level: 6.0
Clay Soil & Clay Loam Soil (BTB): pH Level: 8.0

INTERPRETATION OF RESULTS:
Clay Soil (CPR) and Clay Loam Soil (CPR):
 Initial Reading with CPR: Using CPR, we initially found that both the clay and clay loam
soils had a pH level of 6.0. This slightly acidic environment is within the optimal range
for many plants, but it may still pose challenges for crops that prefer more neutral
conditions.
Clay Soil (BTB) and Clay Loam Soil (BTB):
 Verification with BTB: Because the CPR reading was 6.0, we verified the results using
BTB, as per the STK instructions. The BTB test showed a pH level of 8.0 for both soil
types, indicating an alkaline environment. This high pH could pose challenges for
nutrient availability, particularly for essential elements like iron, manganese, and
phosphorus, which may become less accessible to plants, potentially affecting their
health and growth.

Comparison to Reference Ranges

 Clay Soil (BTB): The pH of 8.0 is higher than the optimal range for most plants (generally
between 6.0 and 7.0). Alkaline soils can limit the availability of certain nutrients,
potentially necessitating soil amendments to lower the pH.

 Clay Loam Soil (BTB): The pH of 8.0 is also higher than the optimal range. Similar to clay
soil, this alkaline condition can affect nutrient availability and plant health, possibly
requiring soil amendments.

CONCLUSION:
Based on our soil test results, both the clay soil and the clay loam soil have a pH level
of 8.0, indicating they are on the alkaline side. While pH values below 5.5 indicate acidic
soils and those above 8.0 indicate highly alkaline soils, our soils are still within the generally
acceptable range for crop or pasture production (5.5 to 8.0). However, being at the upper
limit, it is important to monitor and manage the soil pH to ensure optimal nutrient
availability and plant health.

In conclusion, both our clay soil and clay loam soil present challenges with their high
pH levels. By implementing targeted pH adjustments and regularly monitoring soil health,
we can create optimal conditions for thriving plants in both soil types.

RECOMMENDATIONS:
We should take steps to adjust the pH and bring it closer to the preferred range for
most plants, ideally between 6.0 and 7.0.Adding amendments like sulfur or organic matter
can help lower the pH and improve nutrient uptake for our plants.

Source:
https://www.soilquality.org.au/factsheets/soil-ph-south-austral
Study Questions

1. List some important things to considering during soil sampling.

 The following have to be observed in soil pH testing for accurate and
reliable results:
 Tools and containers must be clean.
 Soil must be air-dried, crushed, and sieved soil samples.
 Amounts of the soil used must be in a constant ratio.
 Correct drops of BTB, CPR, and BCG should be added, and it is
mixed properly.
 Immediate color changes are observed and compared with the pH
color chart.
 Test under similar lighting and temperature conditions.
 Label samples accurately and record pH values and observations.

2. What is the implications of soil testing for the soil health and potential plant
growth.
 Soil testing is crucial for maintaining soil health by revealing essential
nutrient levels, pH balance, soil structure, and organic matter content.
Through soil testing, deficiencies or excesses in certain nutrients can be
identified. With enough information, determining the necessary changes
to optimize soil health becomes easier. Soil testing can prevent potential
issues such as poor drainage or nutrient imbalances, ensuring a healthier
growing environment for plants. This will then aid plant growth by more
precise nutrient management, allowing specific fertilizer recommendations.
It helps in selecting crops suited to the existing soil conditions, thereby
maximizing yields and reducing the risk of crop failure. Knowledge of soil
properties also informs water management practices, preventing issues
like water stress or waterlogging. By promoting balanced nutrients and
proper pH, soil testing can reduce the incidence of soil-borne diseases,
leading to healthier plants. Overall, regular soil testing supports
sustainable agricultural practices, ensuring long-term soil fertility and
optimal plant growth.

3. Discuss any challenges faced during the activity and how you addressed them.
 Color Interpretation Difficulties: One of the primary challenges
encountered was accurately interpreting the color changes in the soil
samples. Specifically, when using CPR, the clay samples exhibited a color
that matched the STK instructions for a pH of 6.0, while the clay loam
samples showed a light purple or pinkish color. This made it difficult to
determine the exact pH of the clay loam, as the color did not correspond
clearly to a specific pH value on the chart. To address this issue, we
decided to verify the results using an alternative pH indicator, BTB.
According to the STK instructions, BTB should be used if the pH is 6.0 or
 higher. By following this guidance, we were able to cross-check our initial
readings and gain more confidence in the results. The BTB test indicated
that both the clay and clay loam samples had a pH of 8.0, which suggested
a more alkaline condition. This secondary test helped confirm that our
initial color interpretation with CPR might have been inaccurate, or that
the CPR reagent had limitations in detecting pH levels accurately for
certain soil types.

 Ensuring Sample Homogeneity: Ensuring that the soil samples were

representative of the field location was another challenge. Soil can vary
significantly even within a small area, affecting the accuracy of the test
results. We had already tested the soil's texture to confirm consistency.
Therefore, we simply separated the larger particles to obtain a finer
sample. This process helped ensure that the soil tested was a true
representation of the field conditions, reducing variability in the test
results.

 Reagent Disposal and Clean-Up: Proper disposal of used reagents and

cleaning of equipment posed a challenge, especially in adhering to
environmental safety standards. We followed the specific disposal
instructions provided with the STK, ensuring that no reagents were poured
down the drain or discarded in the field. Used reagents were collected and
disposed of properly. Additionally, all tools and equipment were cleaned
thoroughly, and hands were washed to prevent contamination and
exposure to chemicals.

The STK provided valuable insights into the soil health of different soils in various
areas. Despite challenges in color interpretation, the use of alternative testing
methods (BTB) helped verify the results. The discrepancy between the CPR and BTB
results highlighted the importance of using multiple indicators for accurate pH
determination.