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No. of pages: 93

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Abstract:

The increase of salinity in soil and water bodies which simultaneously declines the productivity of agriculture is of great concern to the Nigerian Federation which holds agriculture as a major means of survival for its economy. Thus, the proper monitoring, use and management of soil and water bodies is a sure way to proffer solutions to food shortage and poor crop yields. This can however be achieved by the use of a fast, reliable, and accurate in-situ salinometer.

A portable in-situ salinometer was constructed and used to measure the conductivity, temperature and salinity of different soil and water samples. The sample resultd were classified into groups viz: low salinity, moderate salinity and high salinity according to standard range of saline soils.

Table of Content:

Certification

Dedication

Acknowledgement

Abstract

Table of content

CHAPTER ONE: INTRODUCTION 1

1.1 Background of Study 1

1.2 Statement of Problem 3

1.3 Objective of the Study 4

1.4 Scope of Study 4

1.5 Significance of Study 4

1.6 Justification of Study 5



CHAPTER TWO: LITERATURE REVIEW 6

2.1 Conceptual Framework 6

2.2 Salinity and Salinization 7

2.3 Sources of Soil Salinization 10

2.4 Salinity Testing and Measurements 14

2.5 Salinometer 19

2.6 History/Evolution of Salinometer 201

2.7 In-situ Systems 25

2.8 Electrical Conductivity and Salinity 27

2.9 Electrical Resistivity and Salinity 29

2.10 Electrolysis 30

2.11 Conductivity, Resistivity and Temperature 32

2.12 IAPSO Standard Sea Water 32

2.13 Indicator Signs of Soil Salinization 33

2.14 Impacts of Salinity on plants 34

2.15 The New trend 37



CHAPTER THREE: MATERIALS AND METHODS 38

3.1 Materials 38

3.1.1 Microcontroller (ATmega8) 39

3.1.2 The probe 45

3.1.3 Variable resistors 46

3.1.4 Fixed voltage regulator 48

3.1.5 Liquid crystal display (LCD) 50

3.1.6 Capacitor 52

3.1.7 Resistors 53

3.1.8 Battery 54

3.1.9 The power switch 551

3.2 Methods 55

3.2.1 System specification 55

3.2.2 System design 56

3.2.3 Project Embodiment 59

3.2.4 Working Principle of the Salinometer 60

3.2.5 Calibration of the Microcontroller 61



CHAPTER FOUR: TEST AND PERFORMANCE EVALUATION 64

4.1 Test 64

4.2 Performance Evaluation 65

4.3 Precautions 66



CHAPTER FIVE: SUMMARY, CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATION 67

5.1 Summary 67

5.2 Problems Encountered 67

5.3 Suggestion for Further Studies 68

5.4 Conclusion 69

5.5 Recommendation 69

REFERENCE 701



APPENDICES

APPENDIX A: Software Programming 78

APPENDIX B: Bill of Engineering Measurement and Evaluation (BEME) 85