Identification of acid sulfate soils using a field peroxide pH test

Abstract

This science project was conducted as part of Year 12 Chemistry to provide an assessment of the presence of acid sulfate soils on an Ingham property. The results will determine the extent of acid sulfate soil existence on the land with regard to potential acid sulfate soils (PASS) and actual acid sulfate soils (ASS). This information will enable advice to be provided regarding the impact of future soil disturbance of the target site. Consequently, this will allow the owner to make decisions concerning management of the land and in this case, assess the feasibility of altering the depth of a drain on the property. The project was undertaken with the assistance of the landholder from whose property samples were taken and with facilities generously provided by the Herbert Sugar Experiment Station.