The State Soil Museum here, which showcases the diversity of soil and mineral resources in Kerala, is set to offer a richer experience for visitors.
The Department of Soil Survey and Conservation has completed work on the expansion of the museum, with new facilities highlighting the importance of soil. The work was taken up under a ₹50-lakh project sanctioned by the government.
The highlight of the museum is a collection of 82 monoliths, soil profiles representing the different benchmark soils in each district. Prepared by a project team trained by experts from Wageningen University in the Netherlands, the soil profiles are accompanied by information on the taxonomic class, nutrient status, productivity potential, and an interpretation showing the suitability for various crops, optimum land use, and managerial requirements.
The new features include exhibits, working models, life-size models, demonstrations, laboratory, and interactive facilities for visitors including students. “The expansion project is aimed at making the museum more application-oriented by portraying the role of soil in fisheries, forestry, food supply, below-ground diversity, and sustainable agriculture”, says an official.
The new exhibits include the models of a sustainable farm, different types of soil erosion, earthen pond, and equipment used for soil testing.
The museum, located at Parottukonam, will also lead sessions for visitors on soil database networks and conduct quizes on soils.
Information centre
A Soil Information Centre attached to the museum features a watershed model to demonstrate the various elements of a watershed and conservation measures such as contour bund, slope inward terrace, earthen bund, live fencing, drainage channels, grade bund, and various types of check-dams and rainwater harvesting mechanisms. District soil maps and watershed maps and an exhibition of soil survey tools are another feature.
