CHAPTER I

THE PROBLEM AND ITS BACKGROUND

Introduction

Soil compaction is compression of particles leading to the reduction in the amount of pore space.

Infiltration is the process by which water is absorbed into soil. Soil moisture is the amount of water

saturation used for uptake by plants. The measure of a soil’s acidity or alkalinity indicates pH value. Soil

types are determined by composition and grain size of dried soil (sandy, organic, mixed, etc.)

In chemistry, pH (potential of hydrogen) is a numeric scale used to specify the acidity or basicity of

an aqueous solution. It is approximately the negative of the base 10 logarithm of the molar concentration,

measured in units of moles per liter, of hydrogen ions. More precisely it is the negative of the logarithm to

base 10 of the activity of the hydrogen ion.[1] Solutions with a pH less than 7 are acidic and solutions with a

pH greater than 7 are basic. Pure water is neutral, at pH 7, being neither an acid nor a base. Contrary to

popular belief, the pH value can be less than 0 or greater than 14 for very strong acids and bases

respectively.

pH measurements are important in agronomy, medicine, biology, chemistry, agriculture, forestry,

food science, environmental science, oceanography, civil engineering, chemical engineering, nutrition,

water treatment, and water purification, as well as many other applications.

Soil pH affects the soil's physical, chemical, and biological properties and processes, as well as

plant growth. The nutrition, growth, and yields of most crops decrease where pH is low and increase as pH

rises to an optimum level. If pH values are greater than 7, the solution is considered basic or alkaline; if

they are below 7, the solution is acidic. It is important to recognize that because the pH scale is in

logarithmic units, a change of just a few pH units can induce significant changes in the chemical

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environment and sensitive biological processes. For example, a soil with pH 5 is 10 or 100 times more

acidic than a soil with pH 6 or 7, respectively. Sources of H+ ions in soil solution include carbonic acid

produced when carbon dioxide (CO2) from decomposing organic matter, root respiration, and the soil

atmosphere is dissolved in the soil water. Other sources of H+ ions are root release, reaction of aluminum

ions (Al+3) with water, nitrification of ammonium from fertilizers and organic matter mineralization, reaction

of sulfur compounds, rainwater, and acid rain. Certain soils are more resistant to a drop or rise in pH

(buffering capacity).

Therefore, the lime requirement, which is the quantity of limestone (CaCO3) required to raise the

pH of an acid soil to a desired pH, must be determined specifically for each field before amending the soil.

Background and Its Study

The soil sample used for this study was gathered from Riverbanks Marikina City at a depth of

between 1.0 meter to 2.0 meters.

Objective of the Study

The prior objectives of the study are:

1. To indicate the acidity of a soil.

2. To study the effect of carbonated drink on the quality of soil.

3. To provide a solution to improve the quality of soil.

Significance of the Study

Soil pH affects the soil's physical, chemical, and biological properties and processes, as well as

plant growth. The nutrition, growth, and yields of most crops decrease where pH is low and increase as pH

rises to an optimum level.

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Scope and Limitations of the Study

This study was limited and based on its own learning outcomes mainly used of PH meter test and

other important instruments. The researchers aim to understand the standard and concept of identifying the

quality of soil by its PH indication and to know the great difference of the strength of the soil that has high or

low value of PH. As the researchers reached its aim, there should some unavoidable limitations to

consider. The study was done in the Soil Mechanics laboratory last March 2, 2017 at the Technological

Institute of the Philippines, Quezon City.

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Definition of Terms

Soil - the portion of the earth's surface consisting of disintegrated rock and humus.

Essential - absolutely necessary; extremely important.

Permeability - the state or quality of a material or membrane that causes it to allow liquids or gases to

pass through.

Utilization - to put to use, especially to make profitable or effective use of.

Alternative - one of two or more available possibilities.

Acronyms

OMC- Optimum Moisture Content

MDD- Maximum Dry Density

ASTM – American Society for Testing and Materials

MPCT- Modified Proctor Compaction Test

ASTM- American Society for Testing and Materials

AASHTO- American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials

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 CHAPTER II

REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE AND STUDIES

This chapter deals with a review of related literature and studies, which were of great help to the
researchers in carrying out this study.

Local

Explains Dr. Perfecto Evangelista, division chief, Soil and Water Resources Research of the

Department of Agriculture’s Bureau of Soils and Water Management (BSWM): In the case of soil, a pH

level above the neutral pH7 means a chalky, alkaline soil. Below that point, the soil tends towards acidity,

and some soils, especially those abused by excessive fertilization, can have a low pH4. "This level of

acidity," he explains, "cannot be tolerated by vegetables, herbs, and fruits of commercial value. When such

a very low pH level occurs in the soil, the land becomes unproductive and turns into a wasteland. In acidic

soils, hydrogen combines with the ions of fine clay particles and decomposing matter to neutralize their

beneficial effects on plants."

There are several ways to determine the pH level of the soil in a farmer’s field. The more precise

ones are the highly sophisticated laboratories maintained by the Bureau of Soils and Water Management

across the regions of the country listed in this article. BSWM laboratory analysis functions include: soil

analysis (chemical, salinity/alkalinity, physical analysis and soil test kit; water analysis (salinity/alkalinity);

plant tissue analysis: fertilizer analysis; and microbial analysis.

Moreover, there are also inexpensive chemical soil test kits but under non-laboratory controlled

conditions, the results are somewhat complex and difficult to interpret. The simplest and most convenient

ones which can be used right in the field are the self-powered electronic soil pH meters with highly sensitive

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electrode probe that is simply pushed into the soil at the root zone of the plants to a depth of 10 to 14

centimeters for a graduated pointer reading of pH from 3.5 to 9.0.

Once the soil is found to have the correct pH for the specific plant, it is advisable to check the pH

together with other elements such as NPK before and after every cropping so that immediate corrective

measures can be taken. This is necessary because the nature of soil itself and application of fertilizers,

sometimes, tend toward the acid. Water washes calcium and other cations downward more quickly on

garden-type soil-sandy soil, in particular; so that the soil cannot hold its alkalinity and or lime easily. Plants,

also, dispense with the calcium from the soil as they grow. (As humus in the soil rots and micro-organisms

get to work, acids are produced.)

To increase the pH level, lime or calcium hydroxide is added. To reduce it, decomposing organic

matter like compost, peat or chemicals such as sulphate of ammonia or flowers of sulphur are added.

Foreign

Adapted from Carl J. Rosen, Peter M. Bierman, and Roger D. Eliason. Department of Soil, Water,

and Climate. University of Minnesota, Soil pH is an important chemical property because it affects the

availability of nutrients to plants and the activity of microorganisms in the soil. Soil pH is a measure of soil

acidity. A pH of 7 is neutral, a pH below 7 is acid, and a pH above 7 is alkaline. The pH of urban

landscapes may be higher than corresponding native undisturbed soils because of the large amount of

cement used during construction. A pH measurement is therefore an important part of a soil testing

program.

While many plants can tolerate pH ranges between 5.2 and 7.8, most plants grow best in mineral

soils when soil pH is between 6.0 and 7.0 (slightly acid to neutral). This general rule applies to most of the

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commonly grown fruits, vegetables, flowers, trees, and shrubs. Most turf grasses tend to grow best

between 5.5 and 6.5. Many evergreen trees and shrubs prefer a pH range of 5.0 to 6.0. Potatoes tolerate a

wide range in soil pH, but potato scab can be a problem if the pH is above 5.3.

Some noted exceptions include blueberries, azaleas, and rhododendrons (acid-loving plants) that

require acid conditions between pH 4.5 and 5.2. Blue hydrangeas also require a pH lower than 5.0 to

induce the blue flower color.

The optimum pH range for plant growth in organic soils (peats and mucks) is lower than the optimum range

in mineral soils. For many plants, the most favorable range in organic soils is pH 5.4 to 6.2.

If a soil test indicates that soil pH is not in the optimum range for the plants you wish to grow, use the

following recommendations to either raise or lower the soil pH.

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 CHAPTER III

REASERCH DESIGN AND METHODOLOGY

Method of Research

The method used to collect the data of the research is the analysis of multiple samples using

manual observation. This is the easiest approach when conducting this kind of research because it is

practical and less time-consuming.

Locale of the Study

The study was conducted at Technological Institute of the Philippines Quezon City Campus located

at 938 Aurora Boulevard, Cubao, Quezon City.

T.I.P. opened its Quezon City campus in 1983 located at 20th Avenue, Cubao. T.I.P. QC through

the years acquired adjacent properties including a frontage along Aurora Boulevard. The Quezon City

campus has ten (10) main buildings spread out in the 3.3-hectare site.

Instruments’ Set-up

The instruments/materials used by the researchers are the following:

 pH Soil Tester

 Dry Soil

 Pan

 Tin Can

 Graduated Cylinder/Beaker

 Weighing Scale

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  Carbonated Drink (Mountain Dew)

 Trowel

 Spatula

Data Collection Procedure

1. Weigh 600 g of soil to be divided into 4 samples. (If soil is wet, put in oven to dry for 30-45

minutes.)

2. Label the samples as follows: 0%, 25%, 50%, 100% meaning the percentage of Mountain Dew in

the soil.

3. Using the graduated cylinder, measure 25mL, 50mL, and 100mL of Mountain Dew to be poured in

the soil.

4. Pour the Mountain Dew in the samples corresponding with their proper label. ( i.e. 25mL to 25%)

5. Let the Mountain Dew set in the soil for 15 minutes.

6. Using the pH soil tester, test the samples’ pH level and record the data.

7. Compare the results to find the effect of Mountain Dew on the soil’s acidity.

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 CHAPTER IV

PRESENTATION, ANALYSIS AND INTERPRETATION OF DATA

Data and Results for Soil

In this chapter, the results of the data gathering and data analysis are presented. Pictures,

documentation, tables and graphs of the determination of the acidity of soil are included in this chapter.

Figure 4.1: Soil Sample (0% MD)

Figure 4.2: Soil Sample (25% MD)

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Figure 4.3: Soil Sample (50% MD)

Figure 4.4: Soil Sample (100%

MD)

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Figure 4.5: pH Level (0% MD)

Figure 4.6: pH Level (25% MD)

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Figure 4.7: pH Level (50% MD)

Figure 4.8: pH Level (100% MD)

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 In Figures 4.1 to 4.4, the soil samples are shown weighing 178 grams where 28 grams is the

weight of the tin can and 150 grams is the weight of the soil. In figures 4.5 to 4.8, the soil samples are

tested using the pH soil tester and the pH levels are shown.

pH Level
7.1

6.9

6.8

6.7

6.6
pH Level
6.5

6.4

6.3

6.2

6.1
1 2 3 4

Graph 4.1: pH Level

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 Table 4.1: pH Level

In Graph 4.1, the pH level is shown to go down as the percentage of the Mountain Dew in the soil

increases. In Table 4.1, the table containing the Soil samples’ percentage of Mountain Dew, weight and pH

level are shown.

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 CHAPTER V

Secondary of Findings and Observation, Conclusion and Recommendation

Summary of Findings

The researchers’ goal was to determine the acidity of the soil when subjected to a carbonated drink

(Mountain Dew). The experiment resulted in findings that the carbonated drink lowers the pH level of the

soil. From no Mountain Dew content (0%) which resulted 6.99 pH level to 100% Mountain Dew content

which resulted in 6.45 pH level of soil.

Conclusion

From the results of the study conducted, the researchers therefore conclude that the soil’s acidity

increases once a carbonated drink has been absorbed by the soil. This means that the soil’s characteristics

has drastically changed including its durability and sensitivity.

Recommendation

From the findings, the acidity of the soil increased when carbonated drinks are absorbed in the soil.

The soil became more acidic and its characteristics changed. For future researchers, the researchers of

this study suggest using other liquids to check the effect of the liquid to the acidity or basicity of the soil will

change its characteristics or stay the same.

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 REFERENCES

 Corrosive Soils (Causes, Effects and Mitigation) By Hossein Arbabi

 http://www.testing-engineers.com/case1.html

 Right pH level: Rich soil By Ramon Ma. Epino

 http://www.philstar.com/agriculture/160557/right-ph-level-rich-soil

 NRCS East National Technology Support Center, NRCS National Soil Survey Center, ARS

National Laboratory for Agriculture and the Environment, NCERA-59 Scientists, and Department

of Natural Resources and Environmental Sciences, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

 http://soilquality.org/management/problem_solver.html

 George Rowland Otoko Civil Engineering Department, Rivers State University Of Science And

Technology, Port Harcourt, “A Review of the Stabilization of Problematic Soils” International

Journal Of Engineering And Technology Research Vol. 2, No. 5, May 2014, Pp. 1 - 6, Issn: 2327 –

0349.

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 APPENDIX A

PICTURES OF MATERIALS USED IN THE DESIGN EXPERIMENT

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