SST2143

SOIL SCIENCE AND CONSERVATION MANAGEMENT

LAB REPORT

TITLE OF LAB ACTIVITY:

DETERMINATION OF SOIL COLOR

PREPARED BY:

FATHUL ISLAM DANIELBIN ZULKIFLEY (BM22100007)

MUHAMMAD SYAHRUL IMRAN BIN ZAINAL ABIDIN

(BM22100022)

NAME OF LECTURER:

MADAM MIZAN FATIHAH BINTI MOHAMAD

INTRODUCTION
Soil colors are most conveniently measured by comparison with a color chart. The collection
of charts generally used with soils is a modified version of the collection appearing in the
Munshell Book of Soil Color.

The charts in the Soil Collection display 199 different standard colour chips systematically
arranged according to their Munsell notations, on cards carried in a loose leaf note book. The
arrangement is by the three simple variable that combine to describe all colors and are known
in the Munsell system as Hue, Value and Chroma.

The Hue notation of a color indicates its relation to Red, Yellow, Green, Blue and Purple; the
Value notation indicates its lightness; and the chroma notation indicates its strengh (or
departure from a neutral of the same lightness).

In writing the Munsell notation, the order is hue, value, chroma with a space between the hue
letter and the succeeding value number, and a virgule between the two numbers for value and
chroma. If expression beyond the whole numbers is desired, decimals are always used never
fractions. Thus the notation for a color of hue 5YR, value 5, chroma 6, is 5YR 5/6, a
yellowish red.

OBJECTIVES

1. To identify the different colors of soils.

2. To familiarizes the students in using the Munsell color chart.

MATERIALS AND EQUIPMENT

Soil samples, Munsell color chart, distilled water

PROCEDURE

1. The colos of air-dry soil samples provided was determined by using the Munsell color
chart.
2. The semples has been watted and the colors of the soil determined.
3. The top soil and sub soil have been differentiated.
4. Result was recorded by using the color names in the chart.

RESULT

Soil Sample Dry Wet

Color Notation Color Name Color Notation Color Name

A (top soil) 7.5YR 5/4 Brown 7.5YR 4/4 Brown

A (sub soil) 7.5YR 5/6 Strong Brown 7.5YR 4/6 Strong Brown

B (top soil) 5YR 6/8 Reddish Yellow 5YR 5/8 Yellowish

Brown

B (sub soil) 10YR 5/6 Yellowish 10YR 3/6 Dark Yellowish

Brown Brown

C (top soil) 10YR 7/8 Yellow 10YR 5/8 Yellowish

Brown

C (sub soil) 7.5YR 6/6 Reddish Yellow 7.5YR 5/6 Strong Brown

REMARKS

Soil Sample Location

A Plot serai depan guard

B Plot sawit asrama baru

 C Fertigasi

QUESTIONS

1. From your results, what is the most common color of soil in Malaysia?
- From our results, the most common color of soil in Malaysia is brown and yellow.

2. How does moisture affect the color of soil?

- Following rain, water temporarily darkens soil color by increasing light
absorption. In addition, moisture can have long-term effects on soil color. For
example, under anaerobic waterlogged conditions, iron oxides occur primarily in
the ferrous state. These can give the soil a subtle bluish-gray tint.

3. What are the main minerals that affect the soil color and what color they give to the
soil?
- There are some main mineral that affect the soil color and what color is produced
is first soil that have more organic matter will produce black color soil. These
soils are frequently connected to high organic matter levels and causes
waterlogging and drainage problem, low pH of soil and high DE nitrification.
Next, Iron and aluminum oxides produce red color soil. This color signifies that
there is adequate drainage. Because of the higher oxygen level, iron contained in
soil oxidises more easily. This causes the soil to turn a rusty color. Because of
biological materials, the color may be darker. Lastly, soil contains silicates and
salt normally white color. These soils are frequently described as bleached or
'washed out.' Because of heavy rainfall or drainage, the iron and manganese
particles have been leached out.
 CONCLUSION

In conclusion, at the end of lab work student have learned to differentiate between soil
colors. Soils come in a variety of colors. The most common soil colors are black, brown,
red, grey, and white. To distinguish and identify soil horizons, soil color and other
qualities such as texture, structure, and consistency are used. After that, students getting
more expert with the use of the munsell color chart. The Munsell system is based on how
the human eye perceives color and served as the foundation for modern computerized
color matching systems, making it excellent for designers who specify color to
manufacturers who utilize these systems.

REFERENCES

1. FORENSIC APPLICATIONS, W.F. Rowe, in Encyclopedia of Soils in the

Environment, 2005
2. Siol color, 2007 Donald G. McGahan (aka soilman) All Rights Reserved
3. Ronald S. Jackson PhD, in Wine Science (Fifth Edition), 2020