Soil Testing Laboratories Research Articles

Physical and Chemical Properties of Volcanic Ejecta Produced During the Eruption of Shinmoe-Dake, Mt. Kirishima: Explosive Eruption on March 25, 2018

The objective of this study was to clarify the actual physical and chemical properties of volcanic ejecta immediately after the explosive eruption of Shinmoe-dake, Mt. Kirishima, in Japan. The day after the explosive eruption occurred on March 25, 2018, permeability tests using a cylindrical frame were conducted, and samples collected in the test site were subjected to laboratory soil tests. The real infiltration capacity of the volcanic ejecta showed that the final values were lower (38–92 mm/h) in the talus inside the forest than in the plain outside the forest. This was attributed to the small particle size distribution above 1 mm, regardless of the particle size of the silt/clay particle size segment. The rainfall after the explosive eruption was at most 20–22 mm/h, indicating that the real infiltration capacity value at the end of the eruption was higher than the rainfall value. This was consistent with the fact that no debris-flow was observed at the foot of Shinmoe-dake after the recent eruption. On the other hand, examination of the chemical properties of the volcanic ejecta collected revealed high values of Ca and SO4. These compounds form gypsums by reaction with water, could reduce the infiltration capacity of deposit, possibly contributing generation of mudslide.

RESEARCH & DEVELOPMENT OF P2O5 DETERMINATION METHOD IN PHOSPHATE FERTILIZERS AND ITS VALIDATION

The validation of chemical measurement for Phosphorus determination in fertilizers followed a chain of experimental procedures to ascertain the performance characteristic (PC), connecting Precision, accuracy, reproducibility, recovery, linearity, limit of detection and of quantification. Performance characteristics are accomplished to ensure that analytical method fits the purpose of particular testing. This method was conducted in three stages those were preparation, testing and data processing. The standard test method for determination of P2O5 content in fertilizers used for regulatory purpose is somewhat lengthy and time taking. A modification was done to the standard method to create a more efficient approach that meets validation criteria and is suitable for analyzing advisory fertilizer samples. During the year 2023-24, comprehensive research and development activity were carried out at Soil and Water Testing Laboratory (SWTL) for Research, Faisalabad and analytical data was generated. The obtained results were processed statistically and compared with the acceptance requirements. The coefficient of determination (R2), precision and accuracy/recovery percentage respectively were 0.9996, 0.3-1.10% and 98.01-102.34%, while LOD and LOQ were 0.84 and 2.25%. Based on the results the study concluded that the modified test method applied to determine P2O5was appropriate for its intended use based on the acceptance criteria of performance characteristics set forth in the validation protocol and can be applied as routine method at laboratory.

Estimation of Electrical Conductivity (EC) of Arpa River Based Soil of Bilaspur Chhattisgarh

Abstract: This research explores the investigation and significance of electrical conductivity in the quality of agricultural soil. Soil electrical conductivity is an indirect measurement that is associated with several physical and chemical characteristics of soils. The electrical conductivity (EC) of the soil is directly correlated with the concentration of nutrients and inversely correlated with the soil depth. The soil electrical conductivity (EC) values are indicative of the salinity level in the soil. greater EC values correspond to greater salt concentrations in the soil, whereas lower EC values indicate lower salt concentrations. A total of six soil samples were collected from various points along the Arpa River and sent to the soil test laboratory for examination. All samples were analysed using conventional techniques. For this investigation, one of the crucial soil parameters that was taken into consideration is electrical conductivity (EC). The objective of this study is to assess agricultural land using electrical conductivity. The measured electrical conductivity ranges from 0.4 to 0.7 dS/m. The anticipated value is between 0 and 2 decisiemens per metre (dS/m). All soil samples exhibit a standard level of electrical conductivity. Soil electrical conductivity (EC) measurements and total dissolved solids (TDS) may be used to determine the necessary quantity of NPK (nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium) fertilisers

Gangguan Sampel dan Dampaknya Pada Sifat-Sifat Tanah Dalam Uji Laboratorium Mekanika Tanah : Literature Review

Sample disturbance in soil laboratory testing poses a significant issue due to its impact on test results, which can further affect geotechnical and foundation design. This study aims to analyze previous research related to various sampling methods and laboratory tests to understand the characteristics and properties of disturbed soil samples and their test results. Additionally, it seeks to understand developments in mitigating these disturbances, thereby encouraging researchers to continue developing methods and testing equipment that minimize sample disturbance. The methodology involves a literature review spanning the last 70 years, leading to several key conclusions: First, sample disturbance can occur during sampling and laboratory testing, including sampling methods, sample size, testing techniques, and equipment. Second, the most crucial impact of sample disturbance is the alteration in shear strength under both static and dynamic conditions, as well as changes in soil compressibility. To address these issues, this research proposes using a combination of laboratory tests and in-situ testing as an effective alternative to minimize disturbances and validate laboratory test results.

Effect of leachate on the geotechnical properties of soils at Gbagede Dumpsite Ilorin, Kwara State Nigeria

The increasing request for space for private buildings was brought about by the utilization of the previous dumpsites. If the issue of leachate infiltration into the soil isn't legitimately controlled it'll lead to future harm in construction works. The objectives are to compare the geotechnical properties of soil of the contaminated and uncontaminated regions region of the dump site and evaluate if the effect of leachate on the geotechnical properties of soil changes with depth. Laboratory soil tests were conducted on the soil samples obtained and compared the effect of these leachates at the dump site. These methods are Natural water content, Bulk Density, Specific Gravity, Shear strength, and Consolidation tests. The soil samples were obtained from the contaminated region, and the uncontaminated region (i.e. at 100 m away from the dumpsite). All soil samples were obtained at depths 0.5m, 1.0m, and 1.5m below the ground level, to know the effect of leachate on the soil at the dumpsite and also to know if the effects of leachate changes with depth as it goes down the soil. The results obtained show that samples at 0.5m and 1m depth have been affected by leachates but the effects are not so significant at 1.5m depth, thereby making the soil at depths 0.5m and 1m unfit for construction purposes. This result was useful to check the land requirement in urban areas and guide the geotechnical engineers when designing and constructing foundations for buildings and other related structures on these types of soils.

Oxytenanthera abyssinica (A. Rich.) Munro land suitability evaluation in the Kurar watershed, Abay Gorge, Upper Blue Nile River Basin, Ethiopia

O. abyssinica, known in Ethiopia as lowland bamboo, is a solid-stemmed clump-forming bamboo species widely distributed in the western dry regions of Ethiopia. The versatility of the species means that it has enormous potential for land restoration in arid and semi-arid areas, in addition to bringing socio-economic benefits. It also displays remarkable adaptability, allowing it to thrive in the challenging ecological conditions of areas such as the Abay Gorge. The Abay Gorge, situated within the Upper Blue Nile River Basin of Northwestern Ethiopia is characterized by problems associated with soil erosion and land degradation. This study, therefore, aimed to evaluate and recommend a suitable spatial analysis for the adoption and development of lowland bamboo (O. abyssinica). Fifteen primary influencing factors were chosen according to the needs of O. abyssinica, the accessibility of data, and the financial implications associated with data analysis, particularly the expenses related to soil laboratory testing. Eight composite soil samples were taken directly by dividing the watershed into two categories (upper and lower catchment areas). These composite soil samples were analyzed. Data analysis was performed via Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP) in conjunction with Multi-Criteria Decision-Making (MCDM) analysis and the use of Remote Sensing (RS) and Geographic Information System (GIS). The spatial analysis employed in this study was a weighted sum overlay analysis, which was applied by considering the criteria weight assigned to each factor. The analysis revealed that 21.2 % (666.5 ha) of the total area was highly suitable for the growth and development of O. abyssinica. About 56 % (1753 ha) of the land was moderately and marginally suitable for the desired land utilization type. However, 23 % (723.8 ha) of the study area was unsuitable for O. abyssinica. O. abyssinica has the potential to rehabilitate large parts of challenging areas such as the Abay Gorge due to its naturally invase rhizomes and drought-tolerance. It can also be introduced into agroforestry systems and used as living fences for villages.

Comparison of Water and DTPA Extractants for Testing of Greenhouse Soilless Substrates

ABSTRACT The main purpose of this study was to improve the accuracy and reliability of nutrient analysis on soilless substrates by comparing two different saturated medium extract (SME) methods, using either water (SMEW) or DTPA (diethylenetriamine-pentaacetic acid, SMED) as extractants. A series of analyses were performed to compare ion levels quantified from either SMEW or SMED. Substrate pH, electrical conductivity (EC) and nutrient data were analyzed from a survey of substrate components (coconut coir, peat, bark, perlite, vermiculite), and blended greenhouse propagation substrates using the SMEW and SMED methods. In addition, a series of SMEW and SMED extracted samples were sent to three commercial soil testing laboratories for nutrient analysis. The objectives of these analyses were to (1) validate that published relationships between SMEW and SMED methods were consistent with correlation curves for pH, EC and nutrient levels across a wide range of soilless substrates, (2) compare statistical variability of results from SMEW and SMED methods and (3) compare variability in results between different laboratories. The results validated that previously published standards for interpreting SMEW extractions can be used for SMED method for macronutrients and EC due to an approximately 1:1 relationship for test results between extraction methods. Up to 2 orders of magnitude higher levels of micronutrients were extracted for iron (Fe), manganese (Mn), zinc (Zn), and copper (Cu) using SMED compared with SMEW, with low correlation between extractants. Concentrations of ions from SMED extractions were less variable than SMEW for micronutrient analysis but were comparable for macronutrient analysis. Results from this study were combined with published research to provide suggested ranges using SMED for soilless substrates.

Research on the control of high-fill roadbed with tunnel slag in karst sections

In this study, based on the Kaihua section of the G205 (China) national highway reconstruction project, the construction area of the K4+550–K4+940 section was chosen to conduct settlement control research on the high-fill roadbed of the karst section within the construction area. The viability of using clayey gravel and tunnel slag as roadbed fill was evaluated through laboratory soil tests. The construction technology of grouting was used to manage the substructure of the karst section. After installing prestress anchors on the top of the foundation, a ‘layered’ filling scheme was utilised to fill the tunnel slag and clayey gravel. The Flac3D simulation software was used to contrast the deformation curves of key nodes on unanchored and anchored roadbeds. The test results indicate that the California bearing ratio satisfies the requirements of the specification and that the uniaxial compression strength of the tunnel slag satisfies the requirements of the specification when the clayey gravel is near the optimal moisture content and dry density and when the compaction is controlled within 94%. The use of prestress anchors can strengthen the rock and soil layers of the foundation and reduce the plastic zone distribution. This paper provides a corresponding engineering experience for the treatment of high-fill roadbeds in karst areas.

Feasibility of compacted attapulgite/diatomite amended clayey soils as gas barrier materials

Compacted clay liners are extensively used as barriers to control the upward diffusion of vapors of volatile or semi-volatile organic contaminants released from unsaturated contaminated soils at industry-contaminated sites. This study aimed to investigate the gas diffusion barrier performance of compacted clayey soils amended with three agents including attapulgite and diatomite individually, and attapulgite/diatomite mixture. The properties including water retention, volumetric shrinkage, gas diffusion, and unconfined compressive strength were evaluated through a series of laboratory tests of amended compacted clayey soils. The results demonstrate that the decrease in volume proportions of inter-aggregate pores leads to an increase in unconfined compressive strength (qu). Both hydrophilic groups and microstructures of attapulgite and diatomite result in an increase in water retention percent (Wt) of compacted clayey soil specimens after amendment regardless of the type of agent or initial water content (w0). Furthermore, the ratio of the gas diffusion coefficient (De) to the gas diffusion coefficient in the air (Da) was significantly reduced owing to a decrease in volume proportions of inter-aggregate pores, hydrophilic group, and microstructures of attapulgite and diatomite. Scanning electron microscope analyses revealed that rod-shaped attapulgite filled the inter-aggregate pores formed by clay particles, whereas the disc-shaped diatomite particles, characterized by micropores, failed to obstruct the inter-aggregate pores due to their larger particle size. Mercury intrusion porosimetry (MIP) analyses showed a reduction in pore volume in the inter-aggregate pores, leading to a reduction in the total pore volume for both the attapulgite and attapulgite/diatomite mixture amended clays, which is in accordance with the scanning electron microscope (SEM) results. The findings are pertinent to the practical application of compacted clay liners as gas barriers against the upward migration of volatile or semi-volatile organic contaminants at contaminated sites.

Evaluation of Post Tension Runway Plate as Retrofitting Simulated with Compression In-Plane Force in Numerical Approach

The swelling of soil can result from fluctuations in its moisture content, causing it to expand and contract. To mitigate this, structures in direct contact with the soil may require retrofitting. Post-tensioning is one such method that can enhance the stiffness of the structure without altering its properties, thereby helping to prevent damage from expansive soil. This research presents a novel methodology for the design of retrofitting runway pavements using post-tension plates, employing a numerical approach that considers various influencing factors. The methodology integrates the use of differential and Kerr foundation equations, employing the Levy method to ascertain the deflection of the plate structure. Soil parameters are derived from soil sampling and laboratory tests, while loads are determined based on prior research findings and governmental regulations. The findings of the study indicate that the thickness of the plate structure influences its deflection, as greater thickness results in increased stiffness within the structure. Increasing the thickness of the plate enhances stiffness and diminishes deflection. Regarding the direction of post-tensioning, employing tension in both directions proves most effective, resulting in a reduction of deflection by 22.11%. However, this model demands higher costs compared to others due to the increased requirement for tendon post-tensioning. As an alternative, aligning the direction of post-tensioning with the direction of load movement can lead to a reduction of 15.14% in plate deflection, while incurring lower costs compared to applying post-tensioning in both directions.

Estimation of Soil Nutrients and Fertilizer Dosage Using Ion-Selective Electrodes for Efficient Soil Management

ABSTRACT The recent advancements in precision agriculture have led to a high demand for a portable and intelligent device capable of accurately measuring soil nutrients with reduced use of chemicals. Instead of relying on chemical-based laboratory tests, a smart portable device has been developed. The device measures soil nutrients, such as ammonium, calcium, potassium, nitrate, and chloride, and provides fertilizer dose recommendations. The device uses ion-selective electrodes, a microcontroller, multiplexer, operational amplifier, data logger, and input/output units. It reports soil health status to farmers or users via WhatsApp and e-mail. The measured soil nutrient values are uploaded to a database, which generates soil health cards and fertilizer dose recommendations. The device’s performance was compared to standard methods, with a correlation coefficient of 0.9906 for ammonium, 0.9949 for calcium, 0.9852 for potassium, 0.9716 for nitrate, and 0.9716 for calcium. The sensor-based soil nutrient analyzer demonstrated similar performance to other established standard methods when tested on 250 soil samples of agricultural fields. Consequently, this device holds great potential for utilization in soil testing laboratories as well as for on-site soil monitoring in agricultural fields, specifically for the purpose of precision farming.

Soil monitoring infrastructure in response to war

ABSTRACT Soil degradation is not the least impact of the Russian aggression. War degradation of soils includes compaction, erosion, biodiversity loss, contamination, physical destruction of soils etc. Explosions release harmful chemicals and metals that can persist in the environment affecting the quality of both soil and water resources; and fires at the site of burning military equipment impact soil. Assessment of soil to support soil management requires a well-functioning soil monitoring infrastructure which we describe in terms of: 1) legislative support, 2) soil testing laboratories, 3) a soil information system, and 4) finance. Gaps in Ukrainian legislation make effective soil monitoring impossible; there is need for decree to officially recognise military soil degradation and establish an effective monitoring. The main body of soil sampling and analysis can be carried out within the network of the State Institute “Institute of Soil Protection of Ukraine” but a publicly accessible soil database is needed to hold and transmit the updated information. Novadays funding is hard to come by; we would seek it firstly through cooperation with international donors. If these the times, visiting scientists who participate in the survey and assessment of battlefields will gain experience that finds widespread international application.

Experimental and Numerical Study of Soil Strata for Underground Transportation System: A Case Study

In the current capital of Yemen, Sana’a, a time-efficient and economical transportation system is one of the greatest challenges to overcome the increasing urbanization for many years. Rapid transport systems use tunnel structures to reach the city's most inaccessible areas. Given the Gulf's geopolitical unrest, these structures could also serve as emergency shelters. Consequently, this research conducted an experimental soil exploration investigation in Sana'a, Yemen, to identify potential tunneling sites for the city's rapid transit system. The field exploration, in-situ, and laboratory soil testing at the four locations were performed with the collaboration of the Ministry of Public Works & Highways, Yemen. Further, to calculate the geotechnical parameters for tunnel design, numerical analysis has been carried out using the finite element package ABAQUS, and two-dimensional plane-strain numerical models of underground tunnel structure have been developed to conduct the parametric study in different soil types and boundary conditions under static loading. The material behavior of soil strata has been incorporated into the well-known Mohr-Coulomb constitutive model. The field investigation found that the geotechnical properties of the soil strata in Sana’a have a lot of variation. The numerical study shows that the maximum deformation in the concrete liner of the tunnel was observed at the crown of the tunnel. The ovalling effect in tunnel concrete liner was also seen in all the tunnel models, and the maximum ground settlement at sites 1, 2, 3, and 4 was estimated to be approximately 4, 25, 17, and 11 mm, respectively. Doi: 10.28991/CEJ-2024-010-01-03 Full Text: PDF

The edaphic niche of ploidy-different grasses in the light of the coarse-grained data modeling and direct soil sampling

In the framework of polyploidization, a widely discussed issue is the possibility of niche shift. Numerous studies have investigated niche differentiation among cytotypes, with some confirming distinct differences, while others finding them to be similar. Within this research project, we focus on the case of the cytotypes (2x and 4x) of Festuca amethystina L. and the closely related F. tatrae (Czakó) Degen (2x). We hypothesize that a significant change in the edaphic niche of tetraploids could be a factor that enabled them to occupy new lowland areas inaccessible to diploids which are characteristic of mountain habitats.The edaphic niche differentiation between Festuca amethystina cytotypes was determined by studying the niches’ breadths using PCA-based modeling and separate analyses of particular soil features. The modeling was based on SoilGridsTMdata, and the conclusions were compared with the results of the direct soil studies. Such a research model makes it possible to determine to what extent the data coming from the mentioned database allows for the indication of niche differentiation.Coarse-grained modeling based on SoilGridsTM data indicated a significant change in the edaphic requirements of the tetraploids, as well as pointed to the niche shift towards a higher content of sand, lower carbon and nitrogen content, and lower pH. The direct soil sampling and laboratory tests confirmed these trends and provided a more detailed understanding of the cytotypes requirements. However, no statistically significant differences were observed between cytotypes concerning soil pH, the majority of base cations, available forms of phosphorus and potassium, and the results of CHN elemental analysis. While the direct soil sampling did not reveal significant differences, the analyses based on the niche modeling, considering a wide background area in Central Europe (using SoilGrids data), captured significant variations. This comprehensive approach allowed us to uncover a highly logical pattern of niche shift, which indicates that tetraploids are predisposed to extend their geographical range to post-glacial lowland areas.Additionally, Festuca amethystina tetraploids display a wider edaphic niche breadth than their closely related and hypothetical ancestor Festuca tatrae. The decision to include the latter reduced the probability that the obtained result of the significant increase of the tetraploid edaphic niche was a simple result of hybridization.

The condition of agricultural soils in Primorje-Gorski Kotar County, Croatia

In the context of sustainability and the use of natural resources, it has been often shown that agricultural soils do not reach their productive function to their full potential. The ability of the soil to provide plants with appropriate growing conditions is reduced due to soil degradation. Documenting soil conditions aimed at determining soil quality indicators in relation to soil management enables to identify the type and location of degradation in order to suggest corrective measures to farmers for the soil fertility improvement. Since the basis for the successful agricultural production is appropriate soil quality from one side, and the soil quality improvement, monitoring and protection are priority according to the current legal acts, the new European Soil Strategy for 2030 and the Soil Act planned for 2023 from another side, the soil testing laboratory of the Center for Agriculture and Rural Development of Primorje-Gorski Kotar County (PGKC) conducted the initial studies in 2019. Soil samples from the agricultural field in PGKC were tested using fast methods for following parameters: soil pH, total CaCO3, nitrate content, content of plant available phosphorus, potassium and magnesium, total calcium, aggregate stability and electrical conductivity. The test results idnicated the relative condition of the soil at different locations and in different crops. In addition, the results served as a basis for the sustainable soil management measures suggestion to the farmers in PGKC.

High-precision and high-accuracy stereophotogrammetric image analysis for small to large strain deformation measurement in triaxial apparatus

A deformation measurement system for laboratory soil testing based on stereophotogrammetric image analysis was developed with a purpose of characterising soil behaviour continuously from small to large strains. The system is applicable to triaxial tests with pressure chamber and confining fluid by correcting the refraction-induced distortion of images by ray tracing. In comparison to similar existing studies, the present study put priority in precision and accuracy in relative displacement tracking, which is the key feature in resolving small strain in soil specimen and characterising its stiffness. The displacement tracking is performed with a hybrid algorithm combining Particle Tracking Velocimetry (PTV) for primary target matching and subpixel Digital Image Correlation (DIC) for more precise image matching. The deformation of clay samples with and without end lubrication was compared by visualising the deformation at different levels of strain. This paper is basically a summary of Nishimura (2022). Another example of application in laboratory testing involving fine particle suffusion is also shown. Some notes on implementation of the technique for good practice and on future development are additionally described.

Assessing the Nutrient Status and Soil Fertility Using Nutrient Indexed of Farmer’s Fields in Chikkaballapura District, Karnataka

The soil samples were collected by farmers in their own cultivable land analysed at soil testing laboratory at KVK, Chikkaballapura. From last decade (2012 to 2022), the samples were analysed following standard procedures. Nutrient status and nutrient Index was estimated to know the fertility status of the soils. The pH of soils of Chikkaballapura district was found be neutral (65.15 %) followed by alkaline (24.33%) and acidic (10.52 %) and low (68.09%) to medium (31.65%) range in EC values. Organic carbon content was found lower (89.64%) in majority of the soils and medium range in 10.02 % soils. Likewise OC values, available N status was in lower limits (63.63 kg ha-1) and 36.37 % soils are in medium range. Available P2O5 status was recorded lower in 91.63 % and medium range in 8.19 % of the soils. Majority of the soils of the Chikkaballapura district is in medium range of available K2O according to critical limits. With respect to Nutrient Index (NI) values for OC, available N, P2O5 and K2O more than 90% soil samples found in lower category with exception to Chikkaballapura taluk for N and K2O. In this study, it was found that most of the examined soils are in low in important parameters such as OC, N, P2O5 and K2O. In this context, the adoption of appropriate soil management strategies would be helpful to improve the low and medium soil nutrient index of the soil.

Identification of calculated parameters of the Hardening Soil model based on laboratory soil tests

The modern soil model Hardening Soil, which is used in many software complexes intended for solving geotechnical problems, is considered. The model makes it possible to take into account changes in deformation parameters of soils depending on the level of applied stresses and to describe the deformation processes of cohesive soils under complex loading/unloading trajectories.
 The paper also presents tables and graphs obtained during laboratory studies of semi-hard clay "Kyiv marl" in a triaxial system and an oedometer. Based on these data, the soil strength parameters с' and φ', as well as the stiffens modules , , were determined.
 To correlate the results of numerical simulation with the real behavior of clay soil in the Plaxis software complex, using the SoilTest virtual laboratory, a test in a triaxial compression device was simulated and soil parameters were identified. This approach makes it possible to increase the accuracy and quality of calculation results.
 During identification, the parameters that most affect it were analyzed, which made it possible to better understand which parameters and in which ranges to vary in order to achieve the desired result.
 It was determined that the most sensitive parameters are the section modulus of rigidity and the coefficient of destruction Rf. Their percentage sensitivity is 65.9% and 32%, respectively.
 By varying the c' and φ' characteristics during the tests in the virtual laboratory, the destruction of the sample was simulated in accordance with real soil studies. Therefore, it is very important to correctly determine these parameters, because this can lead to an underestimation or, on the contrary, an overestimation of the strength of the soil base.

A parameter design model for EPB shield soil conditioning in gravel stratum based on machine learning

The utilization of soil conditioners plays a vital role in preserving excavation safety during the construction of an earth pressure balanced (EPB) shield, as they enhance the reliability of the cutting chamber. The kinds and amounts of soil conditioner that ought to be pumped into the EPB system, however, lack theoretical direction. This study aims to develop predictive and design models to investigate the reciprocal relationship between soil conditioners and soil characteristics. The soil conditioner parameters were designed with the targeted characteristics of the soil using the intelligent hybrid design model, which combined the prediction model and the design model. The study's conclusions showed that the Gradient Boosting Regression (GBR) model, which was developed, had improved generalization and accuracy abilities when used to forecast the properties of upgraded soils. The current Artificial Neural Network (ANN) design model provided a variety of available options, but its accuracy was poor, and it could not be used directly. A hybrid GBR-ANN model created by the researchers showed a difference between the goal value and the experimental value acquired from laboratory soil testing of less than 10%. A solution that was required was the model's time-consuming explosion of the marginal value design. As a result, it is determined that using the Hybrid GBR-ANN model is adequate for figuring out the necessary amount and composition of soil conditioner, making it a workable method for soil property-oriented design.

Nutrient Analysis of Different Media Used for Nursery Production

An experiment was conducted in the Soil testing laboratory PLANTICA – Indian Academy of Rural Development, Dehradun during January – July 2023, which focused on the nutrient analysis of various growing media for nursery development. Growing media is a crucial component of nursery cultivation as it aids in the growth and development of plants. Different types of growing media are used, and one of them is soil-based media, which is a mixture of different materials with soil being the primary component. In this trial, a mixture of soil, sand, vermicompost, and cocopeat was used to create growing media with different ratios. In this experiment completely randomized design (CRD) was used, in which soil and sand were mixed together to form one treatment, while cocopeat and vermicompost were mixed with soil and sand in different ratios, resulting in a total of 13 treatments with 4 replications each. The treatments for this experiment were, as follows: T1 - soil, T2 - soil + sand (1:1), T3 - soil + sand + cocopeat (1:1:1), T4 - soil + sand + cocopeat (1:1:2), T5 - soil + sand + cocopeat (1:1:3), T6 - soil + sand + vermicompost (1:1:1), T7 - soil + sand + vermicompost (1:1:2), T8 - soil + sand + vermicompost (1:1:3), T9 - soil + sand + cocopeat + vermicompost (1:1:1:1), T10 - soil + sand + cocopeat + vermicompost (1:1:1:3), T11 - soil + sand + cocopeat + vermicompost (1:1:2:1), and T12 - soil + sand + cocopeat + vermicompost (1:1:3:1). To analyse the nutritive value of the growing media, NPK (nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium), organic carbon, electrical conductivity (EC), pH, and water holding capacity were measured. The most suitable treatments for nursery n cultivation were found to be T9 (soil, sand, cocopeat, and vermicompost with a ratio of 1:1:1:1) and T11 (soil, sand, cocopeat, and vermicompost with a ratio of 1:1:1:3). These treatments had the perfect balance of soil, sand, vermicompost, and cocopeat, providing all the necessary nutrients required by the plants. T9 was particularly suitable for nursery beds due to its high phosphorus content, which is beneficial for root development. On the other hand, T11 was the best choice for growing media after transplanting the saplings as it contained a high nitrogen content, which promotes foliage development.