SOIL ANALYSIS AND MATERIALS REQUIRED FOR SOIL NOURISHMENT AT THE

Bangalore International Airport Limited (DRAFT)

Brief

1) 2 soil samples were tested from the site where the forest is being built i.e.:
- Surface soil and

- Lower level soil from a depth of approximately 1+ meter

The testing procedure is explained in the following video:

Soil Testing Procedure

Parameters tested

1) Nitrogen – This is a key test that indicates general nutrient level in the soil. Forest creation
requires a total of 43 major and micro nutrient elements. A Nitrogen test helps in assessing
overall soil health since Nitrogen is a critical resource for photosynthesis and subsequent
plant growth.

2) Organic Carbon – Organic Carbon is the measurable part of Soil Organic Matter. It is a
strong indicator of nutrient availability in soil, nutrient retention capacity of soil, water
retention, water infiltration and root perforation space. Since organic carbon results in
increased microbial activity in soil, it also plays a crucial role in creating healthy soil
aggregates and soil structure.

Test Results

Site and soil Test Result

Site of forest creation (lower Nitrogen Less than 140 kg/Ha i.e. Less
level soil) than the “very low” mark
Site of forest creation (lower Organic Carbon 0.0%-0.2% i.e. “very low”
level soil)
Site of forest creation (upper Nitrogen Less than 140 kg/Ha i.e. Less
level soil) than the “very low” mark
Site of forest creation (upper Organic Carbon 0.2%-0.4% i.e. “Low”
level soil)
Physical Soil Texture Test

An SOP document detailing physical soil texture test is enclosed. Result is as follows:

Ball Formation

Tape Formation

- The soil at the site is Sandy Loamy i.e. the soil is predominantly Loam with a significant
fraction of crushed soft rock, gravel and sand.
Steps to be taken for soil enrichment

Considering the consistently low nitrogen and organic carbon levels, combined with the Loamy
structure of the soil, the following soil properties need to be considerably enhanced:

- Increase soil’s capacity to retain and circulate more oxygen and water within itself.
Improving soil’s perforation capacity.
- Increase soil’s water retention capacity using water absorbent biomass.
- Increase microbial life in the soil by creating a strong and healthy soil food web with micro
and macro organisms.
- Increase available nutrition in the soil using compost and other organic material.
- Increase root perforation which otherwise might get affected due to compacting of finer soil
particles.
- Treat soil organic carbon deficiency by increasing microbial activity or soil organisms
(bacteria, fungi, nematodes, protozoa, micro arthropods, macro arthropods etc.)
-

Materials required for soil enrichment and to achieve above-mentioned goals

1) For soil’s water retention capacity:

Material: Coco-Peat.

Specification:
a) Loose
b) Dry
c) Sieved.

Unit Quantity: 8 Kilos / Square Meter.

2) For perforation capacity:

Material: Paddy Husk.
                                  

Specification:
a) Dry.
b) Fresh.
c) Full grain husk, no powder.
d) Unbroken
e) Sieved.
f) No impurities.
g) No seed content.

Unit Quantity: 6 Kilos / Square Meter.

3) For available nutrition in soil.

Material: Farmyard Manure.

Specification:
a) 8 months - 2 years old.
b) 100% de-composed.
c) Dry and odorless.
d) No inorganic material or impurities

Unit Quantity: 9 Kilos / Square Meter.

4) For enhancing micro-organismic content.

Material: Panchagavya

Specification:
- Concentrated.
- Significant Fungai and Bacterial count CFU per gram (actual number depends on
concentration).
- Lab report attached as annexure1.

Unit Quantity: 0.4 Liters/ Square Meter.