This book contains the details of exercises about analytical determination of physical, physico-chemical and chemical characteristics of soils. In addition, the glassware, stepwise procedures, observations to be recorded and calculation are given for evaluation of results. Some important information about atomic weights of elements, important conversion factors, procedure for preparing standard solutions, optimum range of macro and micro nutrient elements in plants etc; has also been added in the form of appendix. Besides, a chapter on laboratory precautions and emergency first aid treatment will be helpful in systematic working in the laboratory and avoiding any accident etc.
The book describes the procedures of chemical analysis of soil, water and plant sample in simple way for the use of students, research workers, teachers and persons involved in soil-plant tissue and water analysis laboratories.
Efficient management of soil, plant and water is the key to sustained food security and livelihood of mankind. This is particularly true in Indian context, where damage to soil health and soil quality, depletion of soil fertility and degradation of groundwater quality have emerged as major threats to the sustainability of diverse agricultural production systems.
Soil sampling is the first step of soil analysis. As very small fraction of the huge soil mass is used for analysis, it becomes extremely important to get a true representative soil sample of the field.
Accumulation of nutrient elements in plant tissues indicates the accessibility of the concerned elements from the soil to the plant. Although different plant species and even different varieties of the same species may vary in their nutrient requirements, composition of a part or of the whole plant may well be adopted as a guideline to support the soil-test results for factual assessment of soil’s nutrient supplying power.
The quality of irrigation water is a crucial factor for long-term soil productivity. Poor quality water if used for a long time can make the soil less productive or even barren, depending on the amount and type of constituents present in it and the texture of the soil in question. Low or marginally saline waters sometimes appear to stimulate crop growth because of the higher amounts of nutrient ions present.
A pH meter is very commonly used for the measurement of the reaction of a solution or a medium. The pH determination with the help of a pH meter is based on the measurement of the electromotive force (e.m.f) of a pH cell consisting of an electrode sensitive to W ions and a reference electrode.
Standard Solution: The solution of accurately known strength (or concentration) is called standard solution. It contains a definite number of gram equivalent or gram moles per litre of solution. Strength of a solution refers to the weight of a solute dissolved in a unit weight of the solution.
