Soil Analysis of Billawaradhalli Lake

Nandini M, Shakthi M, Divya Sakshi S

Vidyanjali Primary and High School
Introduction : Soil health around Billawaradhalli Lake is crucial for maintaining the overall
ecosystem, significantly impacting water quality, vegetation, and wildlife, thereby
contributing to human well-being. Healthy soils support the growth of robust vegetation,
which plays a vital role in stabilizing the lake’s ecosystem by preventing erosion and filtering
pollutants. This, in turn, ensures clean water, essential for both human consumption and
sustaining aquatic life. Additionally, well-maintained soil enhances biodiversity by providing
habitats for various species, thus supporting ecological balance. Wetlands, such as those
around Billawaradhalli Lake, offer numerous ecological services, including water
purification, flood control, and carbon storage, all of which are critical for climate regulation
and the overall health of the environment. Therefore, maintaining soil health in these wetland
areas is essential not only for agricultural productivity but also for preserving the ecological
balance, ensuring environmental sustainability, and enhancing human well-being.
Objectives
 To analyze the physical, and chemical parameters of the soil of Billawaradhalli Lake.
 To identify any deficiencies or contaminants in the soil.
 To create awareness to protect the lake from pollution.
Study Area: Billawaradhalli Lake, Bangalore South, Jigni hobli. Bangalore560083
Study site: Inlet – 1: - 12o83’24” N, 77o57’47” E [ Southwest ( Sw)]
Outlet -1: - 12o83’27” N, 77o57’48” E [West (W)]
Inlet – 2: - 12o83’28” N, 77o57’52” E [Northwest (Nw)]
4. Materials and Methods
Materials:
 Soil sampling tools (e.g., auger, shovel)
 Sample containers
 Field guide to soil analysis
 pH meter
 Conductivity meter
 Soil test kits (for nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, etc.)
 Microscope (for biological analysis)
 Notebook and pen
 Camera or smartphone for photographs
Methods:
1. Sampling Procedure:
o Divide the lake perimeter into several sampling zones based on soil type and
proximity to the water.
o Collect soil samples from multiple points within each zone to ensure a
representative sample.
o Combine samples from each zone into a composite sample and store them in
sterilized containers.
2. Physical Parameters:
o Texture: Determine the soil texture (sand, silt, clay) using the feel method or a
soil texture triangle.
o Bulk Density: Calculate the bulk density of the soil samples.
3. Chemical Parameters:
o pH: Measure the soil acidity or alkalinity using a pH meter.
o Electrical Conductivity (EC): Measure the soil’s ability to conduct
electricity, which correlates with ion concentration.
o Macronutrients: Use soil test kits to determine the levels of nitrogen (N),
phosphorus (P), and potassium (K) in the soil.
CHEMICAL PARAMETERS
1. ESTIMATION OF AVAILABLE NITROGEN IN SOIL
REAGENTS:
1. Nitrogen reagent-1 (N-1)
2. Nitrogen reagent-2 (N-2)
3. Decolourizer (D-1) and
Nitrogen colour chart (chart no 2)
TEST METHOD:
1. Measure 5 c.c of soil in the soil measuring tube (no-1) and transfer into soil mixing
tube (no.2).
2. Add 25 ml of nitrogen reagent-1 (N-1) into the soil and shake for 5-10 minutes add a
pinch of decolourizer (D-1) into the soil mixture and again mix well. Then filter into
the colour developing bottle (No-3) by using a funnel and filter paper.
3. To the clear filtrate, add 2 drops of nitrogen reagent-2 (N-2) and mix well. Wait 1-2
minutes for colour to develop. The colour that forms is compared with nitrogen colour
 chart (chart. no 2) and record as low (L1 and L2), Medium (M1 and M2) or High (H1
and H2).Discard the solution and wash all the tubes well.
RESULTS:
Amount of available nitrogen in soil Approximate quantity of available nitrogen present in
kg/acre
Low L1 <50 Kg/Acre
(<100 kg/acre) L2 50-99 kg/acre
Medium M1 100-150 kg/acre
(100-200 kg/acre) M2 151-200 kg/acre
High H1 201-300 kg/acre
(>200 kg/acre H2 >300 kg/acre
RESULTS:

2. ESTIMATION OF AVAILABLE PHOSPHOROUS IN SOIL

REAGENT:
1. Phosphorous Reagent (P-1)
2. Phosphorous Reagent (P-2)
3. Decolourizer (D-1) and
Phosphorous colour chart (chart no-3)

TEST METHODS
1. Measure 5c.c of soil in the soil measuring tube (No-1) and transfer into soil
mixing tube (NO-2)
2. Add 25 ml of phosphorous reagent-1 (P-1) into the soil and mix well for 15
minutes. Add a pinch of Decolourizer (D-1) into the soil mixture and again
mix well. Then filter into the colour developing bottle (No-3) by using a
funnel and filter paper.
3. To the clear filtrate, add 2ml of phosphorous reagent -2 (P-2) and mix well.
Wait for 1-2 minutes for colour to develop. The colous that forms is compared
with phosphorous colous chart (Chart No-3) and record as low (L1 and L2),
Medium (M1 and M2) or High (H1 and H2). Discard the solution and wash all
tubes well.
Amount of available Phosphorous in soil Approximate quantity of available
Phosphorous present in kg/Acre
 Low L1 <1 Kg/Acre
(<4 kg/acre) L2 1-3 Kg/Acre
Medium M1 4-7 Kg/Acre
(4-10 kg/acre) M2 8-10 Kg/Acre
High H1 11-15 Kg/Acre
(>10 kg/acre H2 >15 Kg/Acre
.
3. ESTIMATION OF AVAILABLE POTASSIUM IN SOIL
REAGENT:
1. Potassium Reagent-1 (K-1)
2. Potassium Reagent-2 (K-2)
3. Decolourizer (D-1) and
Potassium Colour Chart (Chart No.4)

TEST METHODS
1. Measure 5c.c of soil in the soil measuring tube (No-1) and transfer into soil mixing tube
(NO-2)
2. Add 25 ml of potassium reagent-1 (K-1) into the soil and mix well for 10- 15 minutes. Add
a pinch of Decolourizer (D-1) into the soil mixture and again mix well. Then filter into the
colour developing bottle (No.3) by using a funnel and filter paper
3. To the clear filtrate, add 1ml of Potassium reagent -2 (K-2) and mix well. Wait for 1-2
minutes for colour to develop. The colous that forms is compared with phosphorous colous
chart (Chart No-4) and record as low (L1 and L2), Medium (M1 and M2) or High (H1 and
H2). Discard the solution and wash all tubes well.
RESULTS:
Amount of available nitrogen in soil Approximate quantity of available nitrogen present in
kg/acre
Low L1 <25 Kg/Acre
(<50 kg/acre) L2 25-49 kg/acre
Medium M1 50-80 kg/acre
(50-120 kg/acre) M2 81-120 kg/acre
High H1 121-150 kg/acre
H2 >150 kg/acre
(>120 kg/acre

2. Physical Analysis
 Soil texture analysis
Procedure:
Step1: Using the mesh sieve to remove any debris, rocks and large organic matter from the
soil.
Step 2: Take a bottle and fill 1/4 portion of soil to be tested.
Step 3: Add 2/4 portion of clean water, but leave some space at top.
Step 4: Cap the bottle and shake vigorously until the soil turns into uniform slurry.
Step 5: set on a level surface and time for 1 minute.
Step 6: Place a mark on the outside of the bottle showing the coarse sand layer settled at the
bottom of the bottle.
Step 7: Leave the bottle in a level spot in 2 hours.
Step 8: Mark the top of the next settled layer with the permanent marker. This is silk layer
Step 9: Leave the bottle on a level spot in 24 hours.
Step 10: Mark the top of the next settled layer with the permanent marker. This clay layer has
settled down the top of the silt layer.
Step 11: Using a scale measure and record height of each layer and the total height of all
three layers.
Step 12: use the soil texture triangle to estimate soil type for the lake site.

 Bulk density
Laboratory method
Procedure:
Step 1: Marked the container S1, S2 and S3 to identify the samples.
Step 2: Measure and record the weight of the container [W1].
Step 3: filled the container with soil samples.
Step 4: Measure and record the weight of the container + soil [W2].
Step 5: Empty the soil from the container and clean it.
Step 6: Filled the burette with water.
Step 7: Filled the container with water from the burette.
Step 8: Record the exact volume of water required to filled the container [V].
Step 9: Calculate the bulk density using formula
Bulk Density =W2-W1/V g/ml

Test Results
Sampling PH EC TDS TEMPAR Nitrogen Bulk
Potassium
zones ATURE Phosphorus density
(US/ (kg/Acre) (kg/Acre)
(kg/Acre)
CM) g/ml
Permissib Permissib
Permissible
le limit 97 le limit
limit 4.45
to 194 44.5 to
to 8.90
113

Inlet 1 7.6 0.28 135 27.7 201-300 25-49 11-15 1.1914

Outlet 1 7.5 0.78 178 28.5 201-300 25-49 4.7 1.2553
Inlet 2 7.5 0.40 199 29.1 50 1-3 5-7 1.2127

USDA Soil Texture Classification:

 The USDA classifies soil texture based on the percentage of sand, silt, and clay. A
loamy texture, which is considered ideal for most agricultural and ecological
purposes, typically has about:
o 40-60% sand
o 20-40% silt
o 20-30% clay

Soil Texture Analysis

Sampling Sand% Clay% Silt%

zones
Inlet 1 40% 33.33% 26.66%

Outlet 1 32.92% 37.80% 29.26%

Inlet 2 38.41% 34.43% 27.15%

Soil bulk density

Sampling zones Bulk density

Inlet 1 1.1914 g/ml
Outlet 1 1.2553 g/ml
Inlet 2 1.2127 g/ml
Awareness:

Results and Discussion: The soil health analysis around Billawaradhalli Lake presents a
comprehensive picture of both physical and chemical parameters that play a vital role in
maintaining the lake’s ecosystem. The analysis provides insights into the soil's suitability to
support vegetation, water quality, and biodiversity, which are directly linked to human well-
being.
1. Chemical Analysis:
 pH: The pH levels across all sampling zones (Inlet 1: 7.6, Outlet 1: 7.5, Inlet 2: 7.5)
are neutral to slightly alkaline, which is favorable for nutrient availability. This pH
range supports healthy plant growth, which is essential for stabilizing the soil and
preventing erosion, thus maintaining water quality for human consumption and
agricultural use.
 Electrical Conductivity (EC): The EC values (ranging from 0.28 to 0.78 µS/cm)
indicate that the soil’s salinity levels are low, making it suitable for supporting a
variety of plant species. This contributes to the overall vegetation cover, which plays a
critical role in regulating water quality, reducing soil erosion, and providing habitats
for wildlife that benefits the local community.
 Nitrogen (N): High nitrogen content was observed at Inlet 1 and Outlet 1 (201–300
kg/acre), while Inlet 2 has a low nitrogen level (<50 kg/acre). Nitrogen is essential for
plant growth, and its high levels indicate that the soil is nutrient-rich in certain areas,
promoting vegetation that serves as a natural buffer against soil erosion and enhances
biodiversity, both of which are vital for maintaining water quality and supporting
human health.
 Phosphorus (P): Phosphorus levels are low (1–3 kg/acre at Inlet 2 and 25–49 kg/acre
at Inlet 1 and Outlet 1), which could limit plant growth. This deficiency may impact
vegetation's ability to support the ecosystem. By addressing this deficiency, the
vegetation cover can be enhanced, improving the ecosystem's capacity to filter
pollutants, thereby ensuring cleaner water for human use.
  Potassium (K): Potassium levels are low to medium, ranging from 4.7 kg/acre
(Outlet 1) to 11–15 kg/acre (Inlet 1). Potassium is important for plant health and
resilience against diseases. By enriching the soil with potassium, vegetation can
thrive, which in turn supports the wetland's role in water purification and flood
regulation, benefiting the surrounding communities.
2. Physical Analysis:
 Soil Texture: The soil around Billawaradhalli Lake has a loamy texture with sand,
clay, and silt percentages indicating:
o Inlet 1: 40% sand, 33.33% clay, 26.66% silt
o Outlet 1: 32.92% sand, 37.80% clay, 29.26% silt
o Inlet 2: 38.41% sand, 34.43% clay, 27.15% silt
The loamy texture is ideal for plant growth as it offers good water retention and drainage.
This ensures the wetland vegetation remains healthy, contributing to the ecosystem's ability to
support wildlife, improve water quality, and prevent soil erosion, all of which are beneficial
for human well-being.
 Bulk Density: The bulk density values range from 1.1914 to 1.2553 g/ml, which
indicates that the soil has a good structure with adequate porosity. This promotes root
growth, water infiltration, and overall soil health, which supports vegetation that plays
a crucial role in regulating water flow, mitigating flood risks, and providing habitats
for species that support local livelihoods.
Healthy soil around Billawaradhalli Lake directly impacts human well-being in several ways:
 Water Quality and Human Health: The soil's role in filtering pollutants and supporting
vegetation helps maintain clean water in the lake, which is crucial for human
consumption, agriculture, and sustaining aquatic life. Access to clean water is
fundamental for the health and well-being of the surrounding communities.
 Flood Regulation and Safety: Vegetation supported by healthy soil acts as a natural
barrier, absorbing excess rainwater and reducing flood risks. This is especially
important in wetland areas, where soil erosion and flooding can damage homes,
infrastructure, and agricultural lands, impacting the safety and livelihood of local
residents.
 Biodiversity and Livelihoods: Healthy soil supports diverse vegetation, which in turn
provides habitats for various species, including fish, birds, and insects. This
biodiversity is crucial for maintaining ecological balance and offers opportunities for
activities such as fishing, agriculture, and ecotourism, which contribute to the
economic well-being of the community.
 Climate Regulation and Carbon Sequestration: The organic matter in healthy soil acts
as a carbon sink, reducing greenhouse gases and mitigating climate change. This
function is vital for regulating the local climate, which directly impacts agricultural
productivity and the overall quality of life in the region.
  Food Security and Agricultural Productivity: Nutrient-rich soil supports crop growth,
ensuring food security for the community. Local farmers can achieve better yields by
improving soil fertility through sustainable management practices, contributing to a
stable food supply and enhancing livelihoods.
Conclusion
The soil health around Billawaradhalli Lake is integral to maintaining the wetland ecosystem,
which provides essential services that directly contribute to human well-being. While the soil
shows favorable physical properties, there are nutrient deficiencies, particularly in
phosphorus and potassium, which need to be addressed to enhance soil fertility and support
healthy vegetation.
The soil of Billawaradhalli Lake has a neutral to slightly alkaline pH (7.5–7.6), which
supports nutrient availability and healthy plant growth.
Low salinity is indicated by EC values (0.28 to 0.78 µS/cm), making the soil suitable for
various plant species.
High nitrogen levels are observed at Inlet 1 and Outlet 1 (201–300 kg/acre), but Inlet 2 has
low nitrogen (<50 kg/acre), supporting vegetation growth in some areas.
Phosphorus levels are low (1–3 kg/acre at Inlet 2 and 25–49 kg/acre at Inlet 1 and Outlet 1),
which could limit plant growth.
Potassium levels are low to medium (4.7–15 kg/acre), suggesting a need for enrichment to
ensure robust plant health.
Acknowledgment: We extend our heartfelt gratitude to our Headmistress for the
opportunity, our guide teacher for their guidance, We thank Anushree U S for designing and
Virju Lal Sir for his valuable support to this project. We also thank EWRG, CES, IISC
Bangalore, and CEE for their advice and the opportunity to conduct this study.
Reference: Estimation of Bulk Density in Disturbed Soil using Laboratory Method, (B.Sc /
M.Sc Soil Practical), Soil Texture Analysis “The Jar Test” Factsheet | HGIC 1656
| Revised: Dec 1, 2023. NICE SOIL TESTING KIT. (FOR THE RAPID ESTIMATION OF
pH, NITROGEN, PHOSPHOROUS AND POTASSIUM AVAILABILITY IN SOIL )
(Revised edition – w.e.f. : 1.07.2007). youtube.com - Soil Texture Analysis using Hydrometer
Method and Soil Texture Diagram (Soil Practical)