MAKTAB SULTAN

ABU BAKAR, JOHOR

BAHRU.
pH of Soil Solution in Water and KCl Solution

GROUP MEMBER:
NAME

LIM JIA HUI

RIRI ANDRI ANI BINTI MUSTAFA TAN

KAW SHIM YEE

DEDICATION

IC

960530-01-7060

961114-01-6864
960123-08-5154

We are heartily thankful and grateful to our teacher, Mr Mohamad Rashidi Bin
Anang who gave us encouragement, guidance and support from the initial to the final
steps of the research and had successfully enabled us to develop an understanding of
the research. Special thanks to our group members for their dedication and hard work
towards this research.
Lastly, we offer our regards and blessings to all of those who supported us in
any respect during the completion of the project.

ABSTRACT
Soil is the mixture of minerals, organic matter, gases, liquids, and the
countless organisms that together support life on earth. The acidity or alkalinity of soil
is important for plant growth and is expressed on a pH scale, based on the total
hydrogen ion concentration in the soil water solution. In order to test the soil pH, we
use pH meter to determine as it is the most accurate method. A pH Meter is an
electronic device used for measuring the pH which is either the concentration of
Hydrogen ions in an aqueous solution or the activity of the hydrogen ions in an
aqueous solution. As the function of pH meter is needed in aqueous, the soil sample
need to be in the aqueous or solution form. The pH will indicate if the solution is
acidic or basic. On this scale, neutral condition is represented by a pH of 7, values 7 to
0 are increasingly acidic and 7 to 14 are increasingly alkaline. For very precise work
the pH meter should be calibrated before each measurement. Calibration should be
performed with at least two standard buffer solutions that span the range of pH values
to be measured. For general purposes buffers at pH 4.01 and pH 10.00 are acceptable.

CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION TO TITLE

1.1

INTRODUCTION

Soil pH is a measurement or an indication of the acidity or alkalinity of a soil. Soil

pH is defined as the negative logarithm of the hydrogen ion concentration. On the pH
scale, 7.0 is neutral. Below 7.0 is acid, and above 7.0 is basic or alkaline. A pH range
of 6.8 to 7.2 is termed near neutral. As the amount of hydrogen ions in the soil
increases the soil pH decreases thus becoming more acidic. From pH 7 to 0 the soil is
increasingly more acidic and from pH 7 to 14 the soil is increasingly more alkaline or
basic.
Soil pH is considered a master variable in soils as it controls many chemical
processes that take place. It specifically affects plant nutrients availability by
controlling the chemical forms of the nutrient. The optimum pH range for most plants
is between 5.5 and 7.0, however many plants have adapted to thrive at pH values
outside this range. Soil pH provides various clues about soil properties and is easily
determined. The most accurate method of determining soil pH is by a pH meter. A
second method which is simple and easy but less accurate then using a pH meter,
consists of using certain indicators or dyes.

1.2

LITERATURE REVIEW

A report (Alley & Zelazny, 1987) from the USA stated that lime recommendations
by soil testing laboratories are inaccurate, also resulting in lime application where
none is needed. Such recommendations, often based on a critical pH concept
regarding yields can result in lost farm income, increased input costs and loss of
credibility by soil test laboratories.

Sikora Buffer Method

An experiment was conducted by Sikora, F. J. in year 2006. This soil science
project is used Sikora Buffer Method to determine the pH in soil and minimise the
SMP buffer. It is well know that, SMP buffer contains two hazardous chemicals
(paranitrophenol and chromium). Due to this, he used a 1:1 soil: solution ratio and in
a buffer solution with a 1:1:1 soil: water: buffer ratio. He used the pH meter with
combination reference-glass electrode .However, for those soils with a pH below the
level that is considered acceptable for acid-sensitive crops, a Sikora buffer solution
with a pH of 7.70 0.01 is added and the Sikora-pH is measured. Depression of
buffer pH by the soil gives an indication of the soils pH buffering capacity. Thus, the
pH of the soil was obtained
Woodruff Buffer
Brown, J.R and J.R Cisco has construct an experiment that make used of
Woodruff Buffer to estimation of pH of soil in year 1984 . He dissolved calcium
acetate (Ca (C2H3O2)2) and calcium hydroxide (Ca(OH)2) in 500 mL cool distilled
water and heat until 70 degree and dissolved paranitrophenol in the hot water.
Salicylic acid (C7H6O3) also be used in his experiment .To prevent interpretation , he
stored the buffer solution in the container protected from air .In this method , he also
mentioned that the air -dry -soil must be stored in closed container for several months
with no effect on pH. Thus, the pH of the soil will be calculated accurately.

1.3

PROBLEM STATEMENT

In order to study the pH of soil solution in water and KCl, various types of soils
such as swamp soil, river bank soil and farm soil were used and measured by pH

meter which is an electronic device used for measuring the pH which is either the
concentration of Hydrogen ions in an aqueous solution or the activity of the Hydrogen
ions in an aqueous solution. The pH will indicate if the solution is acidic or basic.

1.4

OBJECTIVES OF RESEARCH

It is hoped that throughout the research, we are able to

Determine the pH of various types of soil solution in water and KCl.

Analyse the effect of pH of soil on availability of nutrients and the plants

growth.

1.5

SCOPE OF RESEARCH
We will collect the swamp soil, river bank soil and farm soil from Taman
Tampoi Utama, Taman Pulai Perdana and Taman Tampoi Indah
respectively and determine their pH by using pH meter.

CHAPTER 2: METHODOLOGY
2.1

LIST OF APPARATUS AND MATERIALS

In order to successfully conducting the experiment, the following apparatus

and materials are used. Apparatus and materials used are as follow: pH meter,
standard flasks, magnetic stirrer, filter funnel, beaker, wash bottle, tissue paper,
forceps, potassium chloride and distilled water.

2.2

PROCEDURE

2.2.1 PREPARATION OF BUFFER SOLUTIONS

1. Buffer Solution of pH 4.0
Dissolve 5.4g of sodium acetate in 50 ml of water, add 2.4 ml of glacial
acetic acid and dilute with water to 100ml.

2. Buffer Solution of pH 10.0

Dissolve 5.4g of ammonium chloride in 20ml of water.
Add 35ml of 10M ammonia and dilute with water to 100ml.

2.2.2 CALIBRATING THE INSTRUMENT

Step 1
o In a 100 ml beaker take pH 10.0 buffer solution and place it
in a magnetic stirrer, insert the teflon coated stirring bar and stir

well.
o Now place the electrode in the beaker containing the stirred
buffer and check for the reading in the pH meter.
o If the instrument is not showing pH value of 10.0, using the
calibration knob adjust the reading to 10.0.
o Take the electrode from the buffer, wash it with distilled water
and then wipe gently with soft tissue.

Step 2
o In a 100 mL beaker take pH 7.0 buffer solution and place it
in a magnetic stirrer, insert the teflon coated stirring bar and stir
well.
o Now place the electrode in the beaker containing the stirred
buffer and check for the reading in the pH meter.
o If the instrument is not showing pH value of 7.0, using the
calibration knob adjust the reading to 7.0.

o Take the electrode from the buffer, wash it with distilled water
and then wipe gently with soft tissue.

Step 3
o In a 100 ml beaker take pH 4.0 buffer solution and place it in
a magnetic stirrer, insert the teflon coated stirring bar and stir
well.
o Now place the electrode in the beaker containing the stirred
buffer and check for the reading in the pH meter.
o If the instrument is not showing pH value of 4.0, using the
calibration knob adjust the reading to 4.0.
o Take the electrode from the buffer, wash it with distilled water
and then wipe gently with soft tissue.
o Now the instrument is calibrated.

2.2.3 TESTING OF SAMPLES

1. Measure a volume of soil from 10 to 20 ml, or mass of soil from 10 to
20 g, and add it to a sample cup. Volume is measured with a soil sampling
scoop. Mass can be measured with a scale or estimated from a volume
measurement accounting for the density of soil.
2. The next step considers different variations on the type of solution
added to soil.
a) 1:1 soil:water pH: Dispense a particular volume of water to soil
that is equal to the volume or mass of soil.
b) 1:1 soil:1 M KCl pH: Dispense a particular volume of 1 M KCl to
soil that is equal to the volume or mass of soil.
3. Stir the soil and solution vigorously and allow slurry to set from 15
minutes to 1 hour.
4. Ensure room temperature is between 20C and 25C before proceeding
with pH measurement.
5. Calibrate pH meter and electrode using pH 4, pH 7 and pH10 buffers.
6. Place electrode in the soil slurry to measure pH. Measurement may be
taken with or without continuous stirring. If measurement is made without
continuous stirring, stir the sample with a stir bar before placing electrode

in the sample. Allow adequate time for pH to reach a stable reading.

2.3

DATA COLLECTION

Soil Sample

pH in

pH in

water

KCl

pH in

pH in

water

KCl

7.0

7.2

7.7

7.9

6.7

6.6

Place

Swamp Soil
River Bank Soil
Farm Soil

CHAPTER 3: RESULTS AND DISCUSSION

3.1 OBSERVATION AND RESULTS

Soil Sample

Place
Taman Tampoi

Swamp Soil
Utama
Taman Pulai
River Bank Soil
Perdana
Taman Tampoi
Farm Soil
Indah

3.2 INTERPRETATION AND DISCUSSIONS

<5.0

5.5

6.0

Strongly

Moderately

Slightly

acid

acid

acid

6.5-7.5

7.5-8.5

>8.5

Moderately

Strongly

alkaline

alkaline

Neutral

Soil pH affects nutrient availability by changing the form of the nutrient in the
soil. If the pH of a solution is not within the correct range the plant will not have the
ability to absorb some of the essential elements required for proper plant growth. All
plants have a particular pH range, which will produce healthy growth, and this level
will vary from plant to plant, but most plants prefer a slightly acidic growing
environment (5.8 to 6.2), although most plants can survive in an environment with pH
values between 5.0 and 7.0.
Plants grown in acidic environments can experience a variety of symptoms,
including aluminium (Al), hydrogen (H), and/or manganese (Mn) toxicity, as well as
nutrient deficiencies of calcium (Ca) and magnesium (Mg).
Conversely, in alkaline environments molybdenum (Mo) and macronutrients
(except for phosphorus) availability increases, but phosphorus (P), iron (Fe),
manganese (Mn), zinc (Zn), copper (Cu) and cobalt (Co) levels are reduced, and may
adversely affect plant growth.
From the chart we found that that each element can become more and less
available to the plants as pH changes. If the pH of your solution is out of the desired
range, one or more of the essential elements will become unavailable to the plant,
causing nutrient deficiencies, which will result in slow growth rates, and poor yields.

Based on the results obtained, swamp soil shows the pH of 7.0 and 7.2 in water
and KCl solution respectively. The neutral pH of swamp soil indicates that most of the
macronutrients will be available in swamp soil which is very suitable for swamp
milkweeds and cattails to grow. River bank soil shows the pH of 7.7 and 7.9 which is
moderately alkaline in water and KCl solution. In other words, due to the alkaline pH,
molybdenum (Mo) and macronutrients (except for phosphorus) availability increases,
but phosphorus (P), iron (Fe), manganese (Mn), zinc (Zn), copper (Cu) and cobalt
(Co) levels are reduced. River bank soil is suitable for the growth of duckweed, water
lily and etc. For farm soil, farm soil shows the pH of 6.7 and 6.6 in water and KCl
respectively which fall in the range of neutral which are the most suitable for plant
growth due to the higher availability of nutrients. Farm soil is suitable to grow beans,
avocado and more.
Throughout the experiment, there is some precaution steps needed to be done to
ensure that the results obtained are more accurate. pH measurements can be made to
the nearest 0.1 or 0.01 pH unit. There is no need to measure pH with more than 2
decimal places since this level of accuracy is not achievable or required.
Besides, differences in pH will occur with electrode placed in a soil-slurry or in
the supernatant after the soil has settled. The differences are more pronounced with

soil pH in water compared to electrolyte solutions. To avoid this variability in pH, it

is important to stir the soil slurry right before measurement.
Moreover, glass electrodes have a short life span when measuring pH of sandy
soils. The sand particles are abrasive to the glass resulting in electrode breakage or
malfunction. When electrodes fail to measure pH of calibration buffers or quality
control samples show more error than expected, replace electrodes.

CHAPTER 4: CONCLUSION
Throughout the experiment, we found that the more neutral the pH, the higher the
availability of nutrients. The availability of nutrients is greatly influenced by the pH. So, it is
important for us to analyse the pH before planting so that the plants grow within the correct
range of pH to enhance the absorption of essential nutrients for their growth.

REFERENCE
1. http://chemed.chem.purdue.edu/genchem/lab/equipment/phmeter/use.html;
research on calibration of pH meter; accessed on 25 June 2015.
2. http://www.novedu.ru/anotes/refer/buffers.htm ; preparation of buffer solution;
accessed on 26 June 2015.
3. http://vlab.amrita.edu/?sub=2&brch=193&sim=1549&cnt=1;

soil

analysis;

determination of soil pH; accessed on 28 June 2015.

4. http://mit.biology.au.dk/~biohbn/Protocol/Soil_pH_20081127.pdf; research on
soil pH in water and KCl; accessed on 8 July 2015.
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