How can learners determine the pH of a soil sample (Soil X), and what steps should be taken if the soil is found to be acidic?

The soil type the learners collected is Soil X.

a) To determine soil pH, the learners would have assembled the following materials:

• Soil sample
• Distilled water
• pH indicator (e.g., universal indicator solution or pH paper/strips)
• Test tube or beaker
• Stirring rod

b) The learners would have carried out the activity as follows:

1. Place a small amount of the soil sample into a test tube or beaker.
2. Add distilled water to the soil and stir thoroughly with a stirring rod to create a soil-water suspension.
3. Allow the soil particles to settle, leaving a clear liquid layer (supernatant) above.
4. Dip a pH strip into the clear liquid or add a few drops of universal indicator solution.
5. Compare the color of the pH strip or indicator solution to a standard pH color chart to determine the soil's pH value.

c) If the learners found that the soil sample was acidic, they would raise the soil pH in the garden by adding liming materials. Common liming materials include ground limestone (calcium carbonate), quicklime (calcium oxide), or slaked lime (calcium hydroxide). These substances neutralize the acidity in the soil, increasing its pH.