VELAMMAL VIDHYASHRAM

SURAPET
CHEMISTRY INVESTIGATORY PROJECT
ON
Presence oF ions in
handful of soil

NAME : KOUSHIK g
CLASS : XII
ROLL NUMBER :
Batch no :

SSCE - 2024 - 2025

 CERTIFICATE

This is to certify that, KOUSHIK G of class XII has successfully completed the

project on the topic “PRESENCE OF IONS IN CBSE, HANDFUL OF SOIL“ under

the guidance of Ms Sreeja in partial fulfillment of chemistry practical examination conducted
by SSCE, CBSE, New Delhi for the academic year 2024 – 2025.

Signature of teacher in charge Signature of Internal Examiner

Signature of Principal Signature of External Examiner

 ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

In the accomplishment of this project successfully, many people have best owned upon me their
blessings and the heart pledged support. So I am utilizing this opportunity to thank all the people
who have been concerned with my project.

Primarily I would like to thank God almighty for giving me the strength, knowledge and good
health to complete this project with success.

Then I would like to thank our Principal for continuous support and our Chemistry teacher
whose whole hearted guidance helped me to patch this project and make it full proof success.
The suggestions and instructions given by them served as the major contribution to the
completion of this project.

Then I would like to thank my parents and friends who have helped me with their valuable
suggestions and guidance, which has been helpful in various phases of the completion of this
project.

Last but not the least I would like to thank my classmates who have helped me a lot.

Signature of the student

( KOUSHIK G )
 TABLE OF CONTENT

S.NO PAGE NO

TOPICS

1. INTRODUCTION 1

2. AIM 1

3. MATERIALS REQUIRED 1

4. PROCEDURE 2

5. OBSERVATIONS 3

6. GALLERY 4

7. PRECAUTIONS 5

8. SOURCES OF ERROR 6

9. CONCLUSION 6
10. BIBLIOGRAPHY 6
INTRODUCTION:
Understanding the presence of ions in soil is crucial for assessing soil fertility and plant health.
Ions, which are charged particles, include essential nutrients like nitrogen, phosphorus,
potassium, calcium, and magnesium. These nutrients exist in the soil in ionic forms, readily
available for plant uptake. The composition and concentration of these ions significantly impact
soil properties, such as pH, cation exchange capacity, and overall fertility. Analyzing the ion
content in a handful of soil provides insights into its nutritional status and helps guide effective
soil management practices to enhance crop productivity and environmental sustainability

AIM:

To test the presence of ions in handful of soil.

MATERIALS REQUIRED:
1. Soil Sample : A handful of soil from the area you wish to test.

2. Distilled Water: For preparing soil extracts.

3. Clean Containers: For mixing soil and water.

4. Filter Paper: To filter the soil extract.

5. pH Meter or pH Test Strips: To measure the soil pH.

6. Test Kits or Reagents: Specifically designed for detecting various ions (such as nitrate,
phosphate, potassium, calcium, and magnesium).

7. Electronic Conductivity Meter: To measure the soil's electrical conductivity, which can
indicate the presence of soluble ions.

8. Pipettes or Droppers: For adding reagents and extracting samples.

9. Stirring Rod or Spoon: For mixing the soil with water

PROCEDURE:

1.Soil Sample Preparation:

- Collect a handful of soil from the area you want to test.

- Remove any debris, stones, or organic matter from the soil sample.

- Air-dry the soil sample if it is moist.

2. Soil Extract Preparation:

- Place a measured amount of the soil (e.g., 10 grams) into a clean container.

- Add a measured amount of distilled water (e.g., 50 mL) to the soil. The ratio of soil to water is
typically 1:5.

- Stir the mixture thoroughly for about 5 minutes to ensure the ions dissolve into the water.

- Allow the mixture to settle, or filter the mixture using filter paper to obtain a clear soil extract.

3. pH Testing:

- Dip a pH test strip or a calibrated pH meter into the soil extract

- Record the pH value of the soil extract.

4.Testing for Specific Ions:

- Nitrate (NO3–): Use a nitrate test kit. Add the appropriate reagent to a small amount of the soil
extract and compare the color change to a standard color chart provided with the kit.

- Phosphate (PO43–): Use a phosphate test kit. Add the reagent to the soil extract and compare the
resulting color to the standard chart.
- Potassium (K+): Use a potassium test kit. Add the reagent to the soil extract and compare the
color change to the chart.

- Calcium (Ca2+) and Magnesium (Mg2+): Use a test kit for calcium and magnesium. Follow the
instructions provided in the kit to determine theconcentration of these ions.

5. Conductivity Testing:-

Use an electronic conductivity meter to measure the electrical conductivity of the soil extract.
This provides an indication of the total ion concentration in the soil.

OBSERVATIONS:

Ions tested Procedure uses Observation Inference

Nitrate Brown ring test Brown ring forms Nitrate ions present

Phosphate Ammonium Yellow precipitate Phosphate ions

molybdate test forms present

Potassium Sodium Yellow precipitate Potassium ions

cobaltinitrate test forms present

Calcium Ammonium oxalate White precipitate Calcium ions present

test forms

Magnesium Sodium hydroxide White precipitate Magnesium ions

test forms present

pH pH paper or meter pH value=6.5 Slightly acidic

Table 1 Test for ions present in the soil

GALLERY:

Figure -1 View of Different types of ions in Soil

Figure 2- View of Handful of Soil

PRECAUTIONS:
1. use clean tool to collect samples.

2 use PPE.

3. use calibrated equipment and rinse with distilled water.

4. dispose chemicals properly .

Figure - 3 View of pH of Soil

SOURCES OF ERROR:
1. The auxiliary battery may not be fully charged.

2. The potentiometer wire may not be of uniform cross-section and material density throughout
its length.

3. End resistances may not be zero.

CONCLUSION:
The presence of ions in a handful of soil is indicative of its chemical composition and fertility.
Various ions such as nitrate (NO3–), phosphate (PO43–),potassium (K+), calcium (Ca2+),
magnesium (Mg2+), and others play critical roles in plant nutrition and soil health. Testing soil for
these ions can help determine its suitability for agriculture and identify any nutrient deficiencies
or imbalances. Understanding the ionic content of soil can guide effective fertilization and soil
management practices, ultimately leading to improved crop yields and sustainable soil use.

BIBLIOGRAPHY:
1. Summary of organic amendments – By “researchgate.net”

2. "Description of ions in soil " by Scribd.

LIST OF FIGURES
 1. Figure -1 View of Different types of ions In Soil ………………………. 4

2. Figure -2 View of Handful of Soil ……………………………… 4

3. Figure- 3 View of pH of Soil ……………………………… 5

LIST OF TABLES
1. Test for ions present in the soil .…………………………. 3