Soil and water are two of the most valuable natural resources that support agriculture, environmental quality, and sustainable development. Scientific assessment of their physical and chemical properties is essential for ensuring soil fertility, maintaining water quality, and guiding responsible resource management practices. This vocational skill course has been designed to provide second-year B.Sc. students with practical, hands-on training in the analysis of soil and water using classical laboratory methods as well as modern instrumental techniques.
The course emphasises experiential learning through titrimetric, gravimetric, and instrumental analyses such as conductometry, spectrophotometry, turbidimetry, and pH measurement. Students gain foundational laboratory skills required to evaluate parameters such as organic matter, moisture, alkalinity, electrical conductivity, bulk density, particle density, acidity, dissolved oxygen, and key ionic constituents including chloride, carbonate, bicarbonate, sulphate, and nitrate. A highlight of the course is the preparation of soil health cards and the demonstration of soil and water analysis kits, which help students relate laboratory findings to real-world agricultural and environmental applications.
By performing a series of scientifically designed experiments, learners develop competence in data interpretation, analytical thinking, and the preparation of comprehensive laboratory reports. The course aims to strengthen the students’ ability to apply scientific techniques in evaluating environmental health, supporting agricultural productivity, and contributing to sustainable resource management.
This vocational skill course not only enhances technical proficiency but also prepares students for employment opportunities and further studies in fields such as environmental science, agriculture, soil chemistry, water quality testing, and laboratory technology.
Contents –
1. About Soil Analysis
2. Organic Matter and Moisture Content of Soil
3. Alkalinity of Soil
4. Water Holding Capacity of Soil
5. Electrical Conductivity of the Soil
6. Bulk Density and Particle Density of the Soil
7. Soil Health Card and Demonstration of Soil Analysis Kit
8. Water Analysis: Sampling Techniques for Water Analysis
9. Determination of pH of Water using pH Meter (Electrometrically)
10. Determination of Conductivity using Conductometer
11. Determination of the Acidity of Water Sample Titrimetrically
12. Determination of Carbonate and Bicarbonate of Water Sample
13. Determination of Chloride in Water Sample
14. Determination of Sulphates in Given Water Sample
15. Estimation of Nitrate in Water
16. Determination of Dissolved Oxygen in Water Sample
