ANALYSIS OF SOIL QUALITY FOR ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT -A MODEL STUDY

Soil is a living system that represents a finite resource vital to life on earth. It forms the skin of unconsolidated mineral and organic matter on the earth's surface. It develops slowly from the various minerals and modified by time, climate, macro and micro-organisms, vegetation and topography. Soils are complex mixtures of minerals, organic compounds and living organisms that interact continuously in response to natural and imposed biological, chemical and physical forces. The present study is an attempt made to analyze the physico-chemical parameters around kothagudam thermal power plant. The soil samples collected at the predetermined locations are analysed for physico-chemical parameters. Soil quality parameters namely Bulk density, moisture content, Organic matter, pH, Electrical conductivity, Nitrate, Phosphorous, Potassium and Texture are prepared by using Graphical Representation. The physico-chemical analysis is helpful in the grouping of soil samples into excellent, good, poor, very poor and unfit. In the current study will be of much use for the planners in the management and monitoring of land resources.