Introduction of the course

This course improves theoretical and practical knowledge of the students regarding different types and use of balances. In this course, students are trained in preparation of solutions of known concentrations-normal, molar, molal, ppm, etc. Moreover, preparation of stock solutions for drawing standard curves; In this course, soil and plant sampling techniques are studied and preparation of plant and soil samples for analytical work. Different protocols are used for estimation of EC, pH, N, P, K, Na, organic matter

Spring 2021

Course Title:     PLANT AND SOIL ANALYSIS         

Course Code:    AGRO-404      

Credit Hours:    3(2-1)  

Instructor:         Dr. Muhammad Rafi Qamar                 

Email:              [email protected]            

This course improves theoretical and practical knowledge of the students regarding different types and use of balances. In this course, students are trained in preparation of solutions of known concentrations-normal, molar, molal, ppm, etc. Moreover, preparation of stock solutions for drawing standard curves; In this course, soil and plant sampling techniques are studied and preparation of plant and soil samples for analytical work. Different protocols are used for estimation of EC, pH, N, P, K, Na, organic matter.

The key objectives/outcomes of this course are;

• To train the students about different methods of soil and plant analysis.

• To study the preparation of different stock solution.

• To study the different protocols for estimation of nutrients in the soil and plants.

THEORY     

1. Types and use of different balances.

2. Laboratory Facilities, Quality Control and Data Handling

3. Preparation of solutions of known concentrations – normal, molar, molal, p.p.m, etc.

4. Quality Control and Standardization Procedures

5. Data Processing

6. Soil Sampling and Processing

7. Preparation of stock solutions for drawing standard curves

8. Preparation Laboratory Processing 

9. Soil Physical Analysis- Moisture Content

10. Soil Physical Analysis- Water Holding Capacity

11. Soil Physical Analysis- Particle Size Distribution

12. Soil Physical Analysis- Hydrometer Method 

13. Soil Texture- Pipette Method 

14. Soil Structure

15. Dry Aggregate Analysis

16. Wet Aggregate Analysis

17. Soil Bulk Density- disturbed and undisturbed samples

18. Total Pore Space and Porosity

19. Plant Analysis- Moisture Factor

20. Plant Analysis- Nitrogen and Phosphorus

21. Plant Analysis- Macronutrients (Dry Ashing)

22. Plant Analysis- Micronutrient (Wet Digestion)

23. Preparation of soil samples for analytical work

24. Soil Chemical Analysis -Estimation of EC, pH, N, P, K, Na.

25. Soil Chemical Analysis -Estimation of organic matter.

Practical

1. Demonstration of analytical methods in the laboratory

2. Recording data

3. Computation work and recommendations.

1. Basak, R.K. 2004. Soil Testing and Recommendation. Kalyani Publisher, New Delhi.

2. Hussain, T. and A. Jabbar. 1985. Soil and Plant Analysis. Department of Soil Science, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad.

3. Estefan, G. R. Sommer and J. Ryan. 2013. Methods of Soil, Plant and water Analysis: A manual for the West Asia and North Africa Region. Laboratory Manual. 3rd Ed., ICARDA, Syria.

4. Tandon, H.L.S (Ed.). 2001. Methods of Analysis of Soils, Plants, Waters and Fertilizer. Development and Consultation Organization, New Delhi, India.

5. Westerman, R.L. (Ed.). 1990. Soil Testing and Plant Analysis. 3rd Ed. Soil Sci. Am. Inc., Madison, WI, USA.

6. Jones, J. Benton. 2012. Plant Nutrition and Soil Fertility Manual. 2nd Ed. CRC Press. Taylor & Francis, London. UK.

Note: You can reserve one week for sessional or mid-term exam, and if you wish, one week for student presentations of the assigned research project

State here the prerequisites of the assigned research project including term paper or lab assignment etc.

• Soil sampling techniques will be performed in the field

• Stock solution will be prepared in the lab

• Soil and plants analysis will be conducted in the lab

Write here the distribution of marks. You can choose any or all from the below for the purpose

Sessional:         02

Project:             02

Presentation:     02

Participation:    02

Mid-term:         12

Final-Exam:      20

Practical:          20

Time Table

            Monday: 09:40-11:20 (P)

           Tuseday: 02:00  (T)

           Wednesday 02:50 (T)

KEY DATES

           Mid test : April 19-23, 2021

           Final Examination: June 21-21, 2021

           Result Declaration July 02, 2021