1. Fill a beaker half full with soil. Pour some rainwater or distilled water over the soil.
2. We should pour enough water to fill the beaker three-fourths.
3. Stir the soil and water with a twig. Then let the solution stand for some time.
4. Once the soil settles down, drain out the water carefully.
5. Fill a boiling tube half full with this drained water.
6. Heat the boiling tube over a candle flame. Continue heating till only a fourth of the water remains.
7. Note the color of the water. Use litmus paper to test whether the water is acidic or basic.
8. Soils contain minerals. Most of the minerals found in the soils are salts of sodium, calcium, magnesium and potassium chlorides, sulfates and carbonates.
9. Highly acidic soil retards plant growth by affecting the efficiency with which the plant absorbs nutrients from the soil.
