Effect of various extractors and time of shaking on soil reaction and micro element soil

Determination of soil pH is one of the most important tests to diagnose plant growth problems. This study aims to find out an overview of the condition of a suitable soil pH to support plant growth, through the availability of microelements in the soil. In addition, to determine the extractor and the best shake time in determining the pH of the soil so that further handling can be carried out in the future. In this pH measurement, two types of soil used, namely Latosol (vegetation including durian, rubber, and oil palm), and paddy fields. Each uses 2 treatments, namely field conditions, and air dry soil. Measurement of soil acidity (pH) was carried out by soil using three kinds of solvents (aquadest, KCl 1N, and CaCl2 equal 0.1M). In addition, five-time equal was also conducted, namely equal with hands for 1 minute, and equal with shakers for 15, 30, 45, and 60 minutes. Analysis of the content of microelements consisting of Cu, Zn, Mn, and Fe. Determination of microelement content was done by extracting using 0.05N HCl solution, 0.1N HCl, and 0.05M DTPA. The measurement of microelements is carried out using AAS. The results showed that the measurement of soil pH was influenced by the solvent used and the time of shaking. When aquadest used as a solvent, the higher the soil ratio: the solvent causes the measured pH value to be higher. Whereas the longer the time of equal, the pH value of the measured soil tends to be lower. In general, the actual soil pH measurement (pH of H2O) which shows the concentration of H+ in a soil solution according to natural conditions has a higher value than the potential soil pH value (pH of KCl or CaCl2).