Kiera Jefferson
Soil pollution is a serious issue that can be caused by a variety of factors, including human activities that introduce hazardous materials to the soil. Common pollutants include petroleum products, heavy metals, pesticides, and industrial solvents. Testing for these pollutants can be complex and expensive, as there are different procedures for measuring each type of contaminant. While home test kits are available for testing soil nutrients, salts, and pH levels, they may not always be reliable. For more comprehensive testing, soil samples can be sent to a laboratory for analysis, which can provide information on both soil fertility and the presence of contaminants. This information can then be used to determine the appropriate course of action to mitigate the effects of pollution.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Soil health | Evaluated by measuring soil quality indicators such as water content, soil texture, and chemical indicators |
| Soil contamination | Comes in many forms, including PCBs, PAHs, petroleum products, heavy metals, pesticides, etc. |
| Testing for contamination | Soil test kits, lab analysis, pH and EC meters, soil health indicators like earthworm populations and organic matter levels |
| Common pollutants | Petroleum products, heavy metals, industrial solvents, pesticides, salts, fertilizers, plant nutrients |
| Soil fertility | Labs provide detailed analysis of soil fertility and contaminants, along with advice on fertilizer usage |
| Nutrient management | Soil tests can determine nutrient levels and compare them to crop requirements |
| Heavy metal contamination | Lead, arsenic, nickel, copper, cadmium, chromium, zinc, molybdenum, and mercury are common toxic heavy metals |
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What You'll Learn
Testing for heavy metals
Soil can become contaminated with heavy metals through natural processes or human activities. Examples of metal contaminants include arsenic, cadmium, chromium, lead, copper, nickel, and zinc. Sources of contamination can include industrial waste, mine tailings, pesticide applications, lead paints, or other sources.
When testing for heavy metals in soil, it is important to take a composite soil sample of the area to be tested. A composite sample is a collection of 15 to 20 uniform cores or slices of soil taken from random spots in each area of concern. For example, if old buildings containing lead paint are a concern, collect separate samples next to the building (the area at the highest risk of contamination) and farther from the building (the lowest risk of contamination).
There are also testing packages offered by laboratories that comply with various environmental regulations, and some laboratories offer the option to create a custom testing package where you select only the elements you want to be tested. For example, the UNH Cooperative Extension Soil Testing Program offers an "Environmental Package" that includes analysis for total cadmium, chromium, copper, nickel, lead, and zinc. They also offer individual analyses for total arsenic, mercury, molybdenum, and selenium. These tests are done using EPA methods.
After collecting the soil samples, fill out the sample submission form completely and mail it to the laboratory for testing. The laboratory will then process the samples and provide the results, usually through email.
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Using soil test kits
Using a soil test kit is a convenient way to measure soil pollution. These kits are available at hardware stores, garden centres, and online, with prices ranging from $20 to $150. While they may not detect all possible pollutants, they can identify common contaminants such as nutrients, salts, and pH levels.
- Collection of Soil Sample: Using a clean tool, such as a garden spade, collect a small soil sample from 2 to 6 inches below the surface. Place the soil in a clean container, avoiding any contamination.
- Preparing the Sample: Add water to the container with the soil sample. The general ratio is two parts water to one part soil. It is important to use distilled or deionized water if available. Mix the solution thoroughly.
- Testing pH: To test the pH of the soil, you can use a pH meter or a pH stick. A pH meter provides a digital readout, while a pH stick changes colour, which can be matched to a provided chart to determine the pH value. Write down the pH result.
- Electrical Conductivity (EC): Insert the EC meter into the soil-water mixture. This measures the salinity of the soil. Soils with conductivity above 4 dS/m are considered saline. However, different plant species have varying tolerances to salinity, so consider the specific needs of your plants.
- Nutrient Testing: Most soil test kits will also measure nutrient levels, particularly nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium (NPK). These tests will indicate any deficiencies or excesses of these essential nutrients, guiding you in selecting the appropriate fertiliser for your plants.
- Interpreting Results: Compare your results to the provided charts or instructions that come with the soil test kit. It is important to follow the manufacturer's guidelines for accurate interpretation. Additionally, consider cross-referencing your results with trusted online sources or seeking advice from agricultural experts.
- Verification: To ensure accuracy, it is recommended to test multiple soil samples from different areas of your garden or planting space. Repeat the above steps for each sample, being mindful to use clean tools and containers each time to avoid contamination.
While soil test kits offer a convenient way to measure some soil pollution parameters, they have limitations. For more comprehensive testing, including heavy metal contamination, consider sending your soil samples to a laboratory for professional analysis.
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Measuring soil quality indicators
Measuring soil pollution can be complicated, and there is no way to detect all possible pollutants with a home test. Soil health is assessed by evaluating soil quality indicators, which are measurable properties of soil or plants that provide clues about how well the soil can function. These indicators can be physical, chemical, or biological properties.
Physical Indicators
Soil scientists and those working the land use seven physical property indicators to measure soil quality. Soil aggregates are soil particles bound together. Stability refers to the ability of the soil aggregates to maintain their form despite disturbances caused by tilling, water, or wind. Changes in soil aggregate stability are indicators of improved soil health, organic matter content, biological activity, and nutrient cycling. Water capacity, or the maximum amount of water stored in the soil, is another physical indicator.
Chemical Indicators
Soil scientists, farmers, and other professionals use four chemical indicators to measure soil quality. Reactive carbon is a type of organic matter. If reactive carbon decreases, it may signal a decline in soil organic matter, which can affect soil aggregate stability, reduce water infiltration and water-holding capacity, microbial activity, and nutrient availability. Soil Electrical Conductivity (EC) measures soil salinity and is used as an indicator of nutrient availability and salinity levels.
Biological Indicators
Soil scientists and those working the land use seven biological indicators to measure soil quality. Earthworms excrete nutrients into the soil, improve soil structure, and enhance root development. Earthworm populations are measured by counting the number of earthworms per square meter. Particulate organic matter includes organic matter between 0.053 mm and 2 mm. It builds soil structure, increases cation exchange capacity, binds environmental pollutants, and provides nutrients to plants.
Testing Soil Pollution at Home
At home, one can test for nutrients, salts, and pH with a soil test kit, which costs from $20 to $150. However, results from these kits are often unreliable because they test very small amounts of soil and are vulnerable to user error. To test the soil, collect a small sample from 2 to 6 inches below the surface and put it into a container. Add water to create a liquid mixture. Use an EC or pH meter to measure the electrical conductivity and pH value of the mixture. Rinse the meter between readings.
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Sending samples to a lab
Sending soil samples to a laboratory is a reliable way to measure soil pollution. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to send samples to a lab:
Collecting the Sample
Firstly, you need to collect a small soil sample from 2 to 6 inches below the surface. It is important to avoid contaminating the sample, so use a clean, uncontaminated tool, such as a garden spade, to collect the soil and place it in a clean container.
Preparing the Sample
The sample needs to be dried before sending it to the lab. Spread the soil on clean paper and let it air dry. Do not send wet samples. Once the soil is dry, mix it, and place about one pint of soil in a labelled sample bag. You can usually get these sample bags, along with shipping boxes and submission forms, from the lab or a local county extension office.
Filling Out Forms
You will need to fill out a submission form or worksheet, which can usually be downloaded from the lab's website. This form will ask for information such as the sample's identification, the test code or desired tests, and the cost. Some labs may also require you to include crop codes, which can be found on the back of the forms.
Packaging and Shipping
It is important to package the sample securely to prevent it from breaking during transit. Follow any specific packaging instructions provided by the lab. Make sure the samples are packed tightly in the box so they cannot move around. Samples can usually be shipped through postal services such as USPS, UPS, or FedEx.
Receiving Results
Once the lab receives your sample, they will analyse it and send you a detailed report. This process can take around 2 to 5 business days, depending on the lab. The report will be emailed or mailed to you and will include information on your soil's fertility and any possible contaminants. The lab may also offer advice on how to mitigate pollution or improve soil fertility.
It is important to note that there are limitations to home soil testing kits, and sending samples to a reputable laboratory is a more accurate and comprehensive way to measure soil pollution.
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Evaluating soil health
Soil health is an assessment of how well soil performs all of its functions in the present and how those functions can be preserved for future use. It is synonymous with soil quality and refers to the chemical, biological, and physical characteristics of a soil.
Soil health cannot be measured directly, so indicators are used to evaluate it. These indicators are measurable properties of soil or plants that provide clues about how well the soil can function. Indicators can be assessed by qualitative or quantitative techniques. After measurements are collected, they can be evaluated by looking for patterns and comparing results to measurements taken at a different time or in a different field.
Some common indicators and techniques used to evaluate soil health include:
- Physical tests: bulk density, infiltration, soil structure and macropores, soil depth, and water-holding capacity.
- Chemical tests: pH, nutrients, salts, and electrical conductivity.
- Biological tests: earthworms, bacteria, algae, fungi, beetles, mites, nematodes, and plants.
There are also soil test kits available that can be used in the field. These kits often involve adding a certain chemical to a marked volume of soil and then comparing the colour of the resulting solution to a chart of nutrient values. However, these kits can be unreliable due to user error and the small amount of soil tested.
For more accurate results, soil samples can be sent to a lab for analysis. Labs can provide detailed information on soil fertility and possible contaminants, as well as advice on how to mitigate the effects of pollution or improve soil health.
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Frequently asked questions
Soil pollution can be measured using a soil test kit, which costs $20 to $150. These kits are often unreliable due to user error and the small amount of soil tested. Soil samples can also be sent to a lab for a detailed analysis of fertility and contaminants. Labs can also test for heavy metals. Soil health can also be evaluated by measuring soil quality indicators such as earthworm populations, reactive carbon levels, and particulate organic matter.
Common soil contaminants include PCBs, PAHs, petroleum products, heavy metals like lead, pesticides, and more. Toxic heavy metals are often found in populated areas due to industrial activities or other human activities.
Use an uncontaminated tool, such as a clean spade, to collect a small soil sample from 2 to 6 inches below the surface. Place the sample in a clean container and add water to create a liquid mixture. For pH testing, write down the soil's pH value using a pH meter or a colour-changing pH stick.
