1. Soil Environmental Problems By Jonathan Edgerly Topic 2065

2. pH What is pH Soil pH is a measure of acidity in the water in the soil Soil pH is a measure of acidity in the water in the soil What does it measure Why is it important

3. Alkaline or Acidic? Acidic = pH 0-6 Lemon Juice Lemon Juice Battery Acid Battery Acid Stomach Stomach Neutral = pH 7 Alkaline = pH 8-14 Seawater Seawater Bleach Bleach

4. Saline Concentration What does saline concentration mean? Why is saline concentration of plants important? How does soil get an increased saline concentration?

5. Different plants like different soil pH Alfalfa grows best in soils having a pH of 6.2 - 7.8 Soybean grows best in soils with a pH between 6.0 and 7.0 Peanuts grow best in soils that have a pH of 5.3 to 6.6

6. Steps for soil testing field kits First step Thoroughly mix the sample, removing any large pieces of plant material or stones, etc. Thoroughly mix the sample, removing any large pieces of plant material or stones, etc. http://www.agri-link.com.au/Inoculo_Soil_Test_Kits.htm

7. Steps for soil testing field kits Step 2 Put about a pinch on the plastic mixing plate included in the kit Put about a pinch on the plastic mixing plate included in the kit

8. Steps for soil testing field kits Step 3 Add a few drops of the indicator solution. If more is needed, add the solution a drop at a time. Add a few drops of the indicator solution. If more is needed, add the solution a drop at a time. A little practice will give you a good idea of how much is needed. A little practice will give you a good idea of how much is needed.

9. Steps for soil testing field kits Step 4 Mix the solution thoroughly into the soil. The final consistency should be like a "mud-pie" - sloppy and obviously wet, but not so wet that moisture runs off when the plate is tilted to one side. If its too wet mix in a bit more soil, if its too dry mix in another drop of solution. Mix the solution thoroughly into the soil. The final consistency should be like a "mud-pie" - sloppy and obviously wet, but not so wet that moisture runs off when the plate is tilted to one side. If its too wet mix in a bit more soil, if its too dry mix in another drop of solution.

10. Steps for soil testing field kits Step 5 Dust the top of your moist soil with Barium Sulphate to reveal the color and match to the pH chart in the kit. Dust the top of your moist soil with Barium Sulphate to reveal the color and match to the pH chart in the kit.

11. Steps for soil testing field kits Step 6 Compare and read the result from the color comparison card. Compare and read the result from the color comparison card.

12. Soil and the Environment What are the main factors of the soil? How is it affected? Why should we care? How can it be tested?