Calcium Carbide Method for Quick Determination of Soil Water Content

The calcium carbide method is a quick and easy way to determine the water content of a soil mass. This method is ideal for field control purposes where quick results are required. Here is how the method works:

Principle of the Method

When calcium carbide reacts with water, acetylene gas is produced. The amount of gas produced is directly proportional to the amount of water present in the soil mass. This principle is used to determine the water content of a soil sample.

Procedure

The following steps are involved in the calcium carbide method for determining soil water content:

1. Take a representative soil sample from the field.

2. Weigh the sample and record the weight.

3. Crush the soil sample to a fine powder using a mortar and pestle.

4. Take a clean, dry container with a tight-fitting lid. Add 10 g of the crushed soil sample to the container.

5. Add 5 g of calcium carbide to the soil sample in the container.

6. Quickly close the lid of the container and shake it vigorously for about 2 minutes.

7. Allow the container to stand for about 5 minutes to allow the reaction to take place.

8. Open the lid of the container and insert the moisture meter probe into the soil sample.

9. Read the moisture content of the soil sample directly from the moisture meter.

10. Record the moisture content and calculate the water content of the soil sample.

Advantages of the Method

The calcium carbide method has the following advantages:

1. It is quick and easy to perform.

2. It does not require any specialized equipment.

3. It can be used in the field for quick results.

4. It can be used for a wide range of soil types.

5. It is relatively inexpensive.

Limitations of the Method

The calcium carbide method has the following limitations:

1. It is not as accurate as other methods, such as the oven drying method.

2. It may give incorrect results if the soil sample contains organic matter.

3. It may give incorrect results if the soil sample is not homogenous.

Conclusion

The calcium carbide method is a quick and easy way to determine the water content of a soil sample. It is ideal for field control purposes where quick results are required. However, it is not as accurate as other methods and may give incorrect results under certain conditions.

Answer is (D).....this method is quickest method -( time taking-3 to 5 minutes )


Calcium Carbide reacts with soil moisture to form acytelene gass (C2H2)
The amount of gass released represent water content in soil
calcium carbide पानी के प्रति बड़ा संवेदनशील होता है
इसका प्रयोग liquid, solid or gas तीनों में से किसी भी state मैं किया जा सकता है
this is a field method this method is not used for Organic soil or gypsum