Test Kit for Assessing Soil Quality
In a bid to make soil quality testing more accessible, a new and simplified method using potassium permanganate (KMnO) has been introduced. This method, designed for farmers and researchers alike, offers a quick and cost-effective way to evaluate the active organic matter content in soil, providing valuable insights into soil health.
To request a Soil Quality Test Kit, contact Rafiq Islam at [email protected]. The kit includes a plastic case, instruction sheet, black plastic sheet, glass vial, purple-colored reagent, dropper/syringe, spoon, and a color chart.
The KMnO method is based on the oxidation of organic matter by potassium permanganate. The amount of KMnO consumed is directly proportional to the amount of readily oxidizable carbon in the soil, which is indicative of active organic matter content.
This method stands out for its simplicity and speed compared to traditional methods like microbial biomass carbon measurements and alkaline extraction methods. It provides a rapid assessment of the labile or active fraction of organic matter, making it particularly useful for monitoring soil health over short periods.
The test requires a small amount of tap water and a soil sample for testing. To begin, fill the vial to the top of the tape mark (20-ml) with water, add 2 droppers full (2-ml) of the Purple Reagent, and then add 1 level spoonful (5-g) of air-dry soil. Shake the vial vigorously for 2 minutes, approximately 100 times per minute.
After shaking, let the solution stand upright for 10 minutes to settle out the soil without being shaken or disturbed. The bleaching of the purple KMnO color is proportional to the amount of active organic matter in soil. The greater the KMnO color loss, the greater the amount of active organic matter content, and better the quality of soil.
To determine the quality, active organic matter, and plant available nitrogen of the soil sample, compare the color of the liquid above the settled soil to the Color Chart provided in the kit.
The active organic matter measured by the new procedure is closely related to soil quality properties, nitrogen fertilization, and crop yields. While this method offers a quick and cost-effective solution for monitoring soil health, traditional methods provide more detailed insights into the structure and function of soil organic matter.
The chemicals/reagents required for the soil quality test include 0.2M KMnO in 1M Calcium Chloride (pH 7.2) and 0.1M Sodium Hydroxide. Soil samples can be dried by spreading crumbled soil on a black plastic sheet for 10 minutes in direct sunlight and mixing it twice before use.
In conclusion, the KMnO method offers a valuable tool for monitoring soil health in agricultural contexts, especially when rapid feedback is needed. However, for more comprehensive assessments of soil quality and organic matter dynamics, traditional methods may still be preferred.
This new soil quality testing method, based on potassium permanganate (KMnO), is designed for use in agriculture, science, health-and-wellness, and fitness-and-exercise sectors. By evaluating the active organic matter content in soil, this quick and cost-effective test provides insights beneficial for farmers, researchers, and those concerned with the health and wellness of their soil.
