List of Experiments / Activities
- 1Determination of Soil pH and Electrical Conductivity — Measure pH and electrical conductivity (EC) of soil samples (1:2.5 soil : water suspension) using pH meter and conductivity meter; interpret for agricultural suitability and salinity class
- 2Determination of Organic Carbon in Soil (Walkley-Black Method) — Determine organic carbon content in soil samples by wet oxidation using K2Cr2O7; titrate with ferrous ammonium sulphate (FAS); calculate % organic carbon and soil organic matter
- 3Estimation of Available Nitrogen — Estimate available nitrogen in soil by alkaline potassium permanganate in Soil (Alkaline KMnO4 Method) distillation method; titrate with standard H2SO4; calculate available N content; relate to nitrogen fertiliser recommendation
- 4Determination of Total Hardness of Irrigation Water — Determine total hardness (calcium and magnesium) of irrigation water by EDTA complexometric titration; relate to scaling in drip/sprinkler systems and soil sodicity
- 5Determination of Chloride in Water (Mohr's Method) — Estimate chloride content in irrigation water by argentometric titration; assess water quality for irrigating salt-sensitive crops; relate to Sodium Adsorption Ratio (SAR)
- 6Determination of COD and BOD of Agro-processing Wastewater — Determine COD of agro-industry wastewater (dairy/food processing effluent) by dichromate method; estimate BOD; relate to environmental impact and effluent treatment requirements
- 7Identification of Fertilisers by Chemical Tests — Identify given fertiliser samples (urea, ammonium sulphate, DAP, SSP, KCl) by systematic chemical tests (flame test, NH3 evolution, SO4²⁻ test, PO4³⁻ test); relate to fertiliser chemistry and nutrient content
- 8Estimation of Nitrogen in Fertiliser (Kjeldahl Method) — Determine nitrogen content of a fertiliser sample (urea or ammonium sulphate) by Kjeldahl digestion and distillation; titrate distillate; calculate % N; relate to fertiliser grade and quality certification
- 9Estimation of Crude Fat in Food Sample (Soxhlet Method) — Determine crude fat content in oilseeds or food samples (groundnut, soybean) by Soxhlet extraction using petroleum ether; calculate % fat.
- 10Detection of Food Adulterants — To identify common adulterants in milk, turmeric, and edible oils.
- 11Compost Quality Analysis – pH, C:N Ratio — Determine pH, electrical conductivity, and C:N ratio of compost and vermicompost samples; assess maturity and quality; relate to green fertiliser chemistry and soil health
- 12Green Synthesis of Biopesticide / Neem Extract Characterisation — Prepare aqueous neem leaf extract; determine pH, specific gravity, and azadirachtin qualitative test; compare with commercial formulation; relate to biopesticide chemistry and sustainable agriculture
Course Objectives
- To determine the chemical properties of soil including pH, organic matter, and nutrient content
- To perform water quality analysis relevant to irrigation and agro-processing
- To identify and characterise fertilisers and agrochemicals by chemical tests
- To perform food quality analysis of agro-products
- To apply green chemistry principles in sustainable agricultural systems
Course Outcomes (COs)
After completion of the course student will be able to:
- CO1Determine soil pH, organic carbon, and available nitrogen by standard analytical methodsK3
- CO2Analyse irrigation water quality for hardness, chloride, COD, and BODK3
- CO3Identify fertilisers by chemical tests and estimate nitrogen content by Kjeldahl methodK3
- CO4Determine fat and carbohydrate content of agro-products by extraction and colorimetric methodsK3
- CO5Evaluate compost quality and characterise green biopesticide preparationsK3
Suggested Textbooks / Reference Books
- Engineering Chemistry – Jain and Jain
- Soil Chemistry – Bohn, McNeal, and O'Connor
- Food Chemistry – Fennema (Ed.) Safety and General Instructions
- Students must wear lab coat and safety goggles at all times in the chemistry laboratory
- Handle all acids, alkalis, and oxidising agents with extreme care; use fume hood for volatile chemicals
- Dispose of chemical waste in designated containers as per lab safety guidelines
- Do not pipette by mouth; use rubber bulb or mechanical pipette fillers
- Wash hands thoroughly after every experiment; report any spillage or accident immediately
Official AKTU syllabus
This subject is on page 64, 65, 66, 67, 68 of the original AKTU PDF.