Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
Chemical amendments are added to reclaim sodic (alkali) soils by supplying soluble calcium to displace exchangeable sodium.
Gypsum (\(\text{CaSO}_4 \cdot 2\text{H}_2\text{O}\)) is the most common amendment used.
Sulphuric acid (\(\text{H}_2\text{SO}_4\)) can also be used; it reacts with calcium carbonate (\(\text{CaCO}_3\)) present in calcareous soils to produce gypsum in situ.
To compare different amendments, we calculate their "gypsum equivalent" based on stoichiometry.
Key Formula or Approach:
The chemical reaction of sulphuric acid in a calcareous soil is:
\[ \text{H}_2\text{SO}_4 + \text{CaCO}_3 + 2\text{H}_2\text{O} \rightarrow \text{CaSO}_4 \cdot 2\text{H}_2\text{O} + \text{CO}_2 \uparrow \]
From this balanced equation, 1 mole of \(\text{H}_2\text{SO}_4\) yields 1 mole of gypsum (\(\text{CaSO}_4 \cdot 2\text{H}_2\text{O}\)).
We use the molecular weights of these compounds to establish the stoichiometric ratio:
- Molecular weight of \(\text{H}_2\text{SO}_4 \approx 98\text{ g/mol}\).
- Molecular weight of \(\text{CaSO}_4 \cdot 2\text{H}_2\text{O} \approx 172\text{ g/mol}\).
Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
According to stoichiometry:
\[ 172\text{ kg of Gypsum} \equiv 98\text{ kg of } \text{H}_2\text{SO}_4 \]
To find the equivalent mass of sulphuric acid (\(X\)) needed to replace 2000 kg of gypsum, we set up the proportion:
\[ \frac{X}{2000\text{ kg}} = \frac{98}{172} \]
Solving for \(X\):
\[ X = 2000 \times \left( \frac{98}{172} \right) \]
\[ X \approx 2000 \times 0.56976 \]
\[ X \approx 1139.53\text{ kg} \]
Rounding to the nearest whole number gives approximately 1140 kg.
Therefore, 1140 kg of pure sulphuric acid is chemically equivalent to 2000 kg of gypsum in reclaiming calcareous sodic soils.
Step 3: Final Answer:
The gypsum equivalent of sulphuric acid for 2000 kg of gypsum is 1140 kg (Option B).