Soil Testing NPKpH 1 of 4

Summary

In this video, the presenter demonstrates how to test three different soil samples (A, B, and C) using a layperson’s soil test kit. After removing rocks and twigs, the soil is mixed with water in a 1:5 ratio. The presenter explains that this rapid test, available at hardware stores, measures nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium levels by mixing soil with tap water and distilled water for pH testing. After stirring the mixture for five minutes, the soil is left to settle for an hour to observe the clear liquid at the top for analysis.

Takeaways

• 😀 The experiment involves testing three soil samples: A, B, and C.
• 😀 The soil samples have been dried and cleared of rocks and twigs before testing.
• 😀 A soil-to-water ratio of 1 part soil to 5 parts water is used for mixing the samples.
• 😀 The test is a rapid, layperson's test, often available at hardware or garden stores.
• 😀 The test focuses on measuring nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium levels in the soil.
• 😀 The soil samples are mixed with tap water for the test, though distilled water is used for pH testing.
• 😀 The mixing process involves stirring the soil and water for 5 minutes.
• 😀 After mixing, the soil and water are allowed to settle for at least an hour.
• 😀 The goal is to achieve a clear liquid at the top of the mixture after settling.
• 😀 The test does not require precise measurements by weight but uses volume as a simpler method.
• 😀 The test aims to provide an adequate measure of soil nutrients without requiring advanced equipment.

Q & A

What is the purpose of mixing the soil with water in this experiment?

The purpose of mixing the soil with water is to prepare a solution where the ions from the soil can dissolve into the water, allowing for the testing of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium levels in the soil.

Why is the soil mixed in a ratio of 1 part soil to 5 parts water?

The soil is mixed in a ratio of 1 part soil to 5 parts water to create a solution that is ideal for testing soil nutrient levels. This ratio helps ensure the water is diluted enough to obtain clear readings of the soil ions.

What type of water is used for the experiment, and why is this important?

Tap water is used for mixing the soil with water, and distilled water is used for testing the pH levels. Using distilled water for the pH test is important because it doesn't contain any impurities or ions that could interfere with the accuracy of the pH measurement.

What are the main nutrients tested in this soil experiment?

The main nutrients tested in this soil experiment are nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, which are essential elements for plant growth.

How long should the soil-water mixture be stirred?

The soil-water mixture should be stirred for five minutes to ensure the soil and water are thoroughly mixed, allowing the ions to dissolve into the water.

What happens after the soil-water mixture is stirred?

After the soil-water mixture is stirred for five minutes, it should be left to settle for at least one hour. During this time, the particles in the soil will settle, and the clear liquid at the top can be used for testing.

Why is it important to let the soil mixture settle before testing?

It is important to let the soil mixture settle to allow the larger particles to fall to the bottom, leaving a clear liquid at the top. This clear liquid is necessary for accurate testing of the soil's nutrient levels.

Is this soil test considered highly precise?

No, this soil test is not highly precise. It is a rapid test that uses volume measurements instead of weight, which is less accurate. However, it is still useful for getting a general sense of the nutrient levels in the soil.

Where can a person purchase a soil test kit like the one described?

A soil test kit like the one described can be purchased at hardware stores, garden stores, Walmart in the garden section, Home Depot, or Green Thumb Garden.

What are some common materials removed from the soil samples before testing?

Before testing, rocks, twigs, and other debris are removed from the soil samples to ensure that the test only measures the soil itself, not any foreign objects.