Analysis of Water Samples

  • pH.
  • Total concentration of soluble salts assessed through EC.
  • Relative proportion of Na to other Cations such as Ca and Mg, referred to as the Sodium Adsorption Ratio (SAR).
  • Concentration of B and other elements that may be toxic to plants.
  • Concentration of Carbonates and Bicarbonates as related to the concentration.
  • Ca plus Mg, referred to as residual Sodium Carbonate (RSC).
  • Content of anions such as chloride and sulphate.
1pHAcidic , Neutral or Basic
2Electrical ConductivityIdeal value is less than 0.75 mS/cm
3Available SPrecipitation Method
4CalciumEDTA Titration Method
5MagnesiumEDTA Titration Method
6Sodium adsorption ratiosafe: < 10 And unsafe: > 26
7SodiumFlame Photometer Method
8Carbonates and bicarbonatesSimple acidimetric titration
9ChlorideMohr’s Titration Method
10Residual Sodium Carbonatesafe: < 1.25 And unsafe: > 2.5
The limits can vary depending on the type of soil, rainfall and climate conditions. Higher RSC values can be considered safe for sandy soils in a high rainfall area (> 600 mm/year).