LABORATORY 1

DETERMINATION OF SOLID AND MOISTURE CONTENT IN SOIL

1.0 OBJECTIVES

1.1. To perform soil sampling technique in selected area.

1.2. To determine total solid content in soil sample.
1.3. To determine moisture content in soil sample.

2.0 INTRODUCTION
The method and procedure for obtaining soil samples vary according to the purpose of
sampling. Analysis of soil samples may be needed for engineering and agricultural
purposes. Soil sampling for agricultural purpose is described which is done for soil
fertility evaluation and fertilizer recommendations for crops. The results of even very
carefully conducted soil analysis are as good as the soil sample itself. Thus, the efficiency
of soil testing service depends upon the care and skill with which soil samples are
collected. Non representative samples constitute the largest single source of error in a soil
fertility programme. It is to be noted that the most important phase of soil analysis is
accomplished not in a laboratory but in the field where soils are sampled. Soils vary from
place to place. In view of this, efforts should be made to take the samples in such a way
that it is fully representative of the field.

3.0 APPARATUS
Supply Description
Soil sampling apparatus Auger, shovel or any appropriate equipment
Gravity convection oven For drying at 103-105°C
Analytical balance Capable of weighing to 0.1mg
Evaporating dish
Dessicator
Beakers Various

4.0 CHEMICAL/REAGENTS
Reagent/Standard Concentration/ Description
Sodium sulphate, Na2SO4 Anhydrous;
Bake at 400°C for 4 hours

5.0 SAMPLE COLLECTION, PRESERVATION, AND STORAGE:

Matrix Sample Min. Sample Size Preservation Holding Time
Container
Solids or Semi-solids Glass jar 10 gram Cool 0-6oC Not specified
6.0 PROCEDURES

6.1 Sampling of Soil Sample

a. Prepare a map of the area to be covered in a survey showing different types of
sampling method (random or composite sampling).
b. A plan of the number of samples and manner of composite sampling is entered on
the map, different fields being designated by letters A, B, C etc.
c. Each area is traverse separately. A slice of the plough-layeris cut at intervals of 15
to 20 steps or according to the area to be covered.
d. Collect at least 9 to 12 samples from each sampling unit and place in a bucket or
tray. Generally, 9 to 20 spots must be taken for one composite sample depending
on the size of the field.
e. Scrap away surface liter; obtain a uniform thick slice of soil from the surface to
the plough depth from each place.
f. A “V’’ shaped cut to a depth of 15 cm in the sampling spot using spade to remove
1 to 2 cm slice of soil. The sample may be collected on the blade of the spade and
put in a clean bucket. In this way collect samples from all the spots marked for
one sampling unit.

g. In case of hard soil, samples are taken with the help of augur from the plough
depth and collected in the bucket.

6.2 Sample Preparation

a. Prepare the evaporating dishes. Cool hot dishes in the glass evaporator. Cooled
dishes can be stored in the electric dessicator:
i. If only total solids are to be determined, heat the evaporating dishes in the
oven at 103-105°C for one hour. Store and cool dishes in a dessicator until
needed.
b. Designate one sample each for the sample duplicate (DUP).
c. Quality Control samples to be prepared with each batch:
i. MB: Weigh 10g of anhydrous Na2SO4.
ii. Duplicate: Use a second portion of the designated sample.

6.3 Sample Analysis

a. Mark the cooled dried dishes with the sample ID or an appropriate identification
number. Weigh immediately before use. Record the initial weight of the dish.
b. With the dish still on the balance, tare the balance and weigh 5-10g of the
homogenized sample. Record the wet weight of the sample.
 c. Place the dishes with samples in the oven at 103-105°C overnight (8-12 hours).
Record the temperature of the oven, date and time.
d. Cool the dishes in the glass evaporator.
e. Weigh the dish and record the weight.
f. Return the dish to the oven for another hour, cool and reweigh until constant
weight is achieved, or until the weight change is less than 4% or 50mg,
whichever is less.
g. Calculate the percentage of total solids and moisture content.

7.0 RESULTS

7.1. Attach the map of sampling point as prepared in 6.1.

7.2. Record each of your data in a table. One sampling point should have at least 2 results.
7.3. Calculate the average percentage of solids and moisture content of each sampling point
using following equations ;

a. Percentage of Total Solids, D = (C – A) x 100

B
where,
A = weight of dish, g
B = weight of wet sample, g
C = weight of dried residue + dish, g

b. Percentage of Moisture, E = 100 – % Total Solids

8.0 DISCUSSION

8.1. Describe the purpose of soil sampling and analysis.

8.2. Justify the selection of your sampling location.
8.3. Differentiate between two types of sampling method used in this experiment.
8.4. In your opinion, which type of sampling is more suitable for this experiment?
Justify your answer.

9.0 CONCLUSION
Give a conclusion for this experiment.

10.0 REFERENCE
Provide the sources of your reference for your discussion.
 APPENDIX

1 2
AVERAGE AVERAGE
WEIGHT WEIGHT TOTAL MOISTURE
WEIGHT WET WEIGHT WET
OF DRIED TOTAL MOISTURE OF DRIED TOTAL MOISTURE SOLIDS CONTENT
SAMPLE OF EMPTY SAMPLE OF EMPTY SAMPLE
RESIDUE + SOLIDS CONTENT RESIDUE + SOLIDS CONTENT (wt.%) (wt.%)
DISH WEIGHT DISH WEIGHT
DISH (wt.%) (wt.%) DISH (wt.%) (wt.%)
(g) (g) (g) (g)
(g) (g)
A1 B1 C1 D1 E1 A2 B2 C2 D2 E2 (D1 + D2)/2 (E1 + E2)/2

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