EXPERIMENTAL STUDY OF THE EFFECT OF SOIL TYPE IN SOIL-BASED

ELECTRICITTY GENERATION EFFICIENCY

A Research Paper Presented to

In Partial Fulfillment
Of the Course Requirement
in Practical Research II
S.Y. 2025-2026

SALEHA JASMIN T. ABDULLAH

NOVEMBER 2025
 Chapter 1

INTRODUCTION

Background of the Study

Electricity generation using soil has recently gained attention as a sustainable and

low-cost alternative energy source. The process, commonly referred to as soil-based

electricity generation, involves the natural biochemical and electrochemical reactions

occurring within the soil. Microorganisms present in the soil break down organic matter

and release electrons as part of their metabolic processes. When electrodes are inserted

into the soil, these electrons can be captured, creating a potential difference that produces

measurable electric power.

This phenomenon is closely linked to the principle of microbial fuel cells (MFCs),

which employ bacteria as natural catalysts to generate electricity. The concept is both

eco-friendly and practical, requiring only basic materials like soil, metal electrodes, and

moisture. However, research indicates that the type of soil greatly influences the voltage

and current output. Variables such as soil composition, texture, moisture level, pH, and

organic matter affect ion movement and microbial activity within the system (E. Fosso-

Kankeu et al., 2015).

In terms of physics, the voltage generated in soil-based systems arises from the

flow of electrons between the anode and cathode through an external circuit, while ions

move within the soil electrolyte to complete the circuit. The measurable electric potential

is determined by the difference in potential energy between the electrodes. Consequently,

system’s internal resistance, which in turn directly impacts its efficiency.

Statement of the Problem

This study aims to examine how different soils (Silt clay, Loam, Mountain soil)

affect the efficiency, strength, and duration of electricity generated, specifically

addressing the following questions:

1. How does the type of soil (Silt clay, Loam, Mountain soil) affect the voltage,

current, and stability of electricity produced?

2. Which soil type (Silt clay, Loam, Mountain soil) generates the strongest and

most consistent electricity output over time?

3. Is there a significant difference among the different type of soil (Silt clay, Loam,

Mountain soil) in their effect on the voltage, current, and stability of electricity?

Null Hypotheses

The formulated hypothesis in the study is as follow:

Ho1: There is no significant difference among the different type of soil in their effect

on the voltage, current, and stability of electricity.

Significance of the Study

This study contributes to that goal by investigating how different soil types can

influence the amount of electricity generated through soil-based energy systems. By

identifying which soil type produces the highest electrical output.

Specifically, these groups of individuals would benefit from this study:

alternative energy source for rural or off-grid communities, improving access to

electricity and promoting sustainable development.

Local Communities and Schools. The study’s findings can encourage schools

and local communities to explore small-scale soil electricity projects as an educational

tool and a model for sustainable practices, promoting eco-friendly and low-cost energy

solutions.

Energy Policymakers. The study’s identification of optimal soil types for

electricity generation can inform policy decisions related to renewable energy,

encouraging the adoption of soil-based energy systems in rural or off-grid areas.

Future Researchers. The outcome of this study could be the basis for future

researchers if they want to study similar topics in soil-based electricity generation.

Scope and Delimitations

This study focuses on determining how different soil types affect the amount of

electricity that can be generated using a soil-based energy system. The experiment will

involve collecting various soil samples—such as loam, clay, and sand—and measuring

the electrical output produced by each under controlled conditions. The study will also

consider basic factors like soil moisture and temperature to ensure fair comparison among

the samples.

The scope of this study is limited to testing soil types within a specific local area,

meaning that the results may vary in different regions with other environmental

conditions. The experiment will only measure voltage and current output over a set
period, without exploring long-term durability or large-scale applications of soil-based

power systems. Additionally, the study will not include other variables such as soil pH,

mineral content, or microbial activity in detail, which may also influence the results.

Definition of Terms

In order to understand this study, the following terms were defined both

conceptually and operationally:

Voltage. It is the measure of the energy required to move a unit of electric charge

from one point to another in a circuit. In this study, it is measured in volts (V) using a

voltmeter, which is connected in parallel to the circuit. The voltage reading indicates the

potential difference between two points in the circuit.

Current. It is the flow of electric charge, typically carried by electrons, through a

conductor such as a wire. In this study, it is measured in amperes (A) using an ammeter,

which is connected in series to the circuit. The current reading indicates the rate of flow

of electric charge.

Electrodes. They are conductive materials that facilitate the transfer of electrons

between a circuit and an external medium, such as soil. In this study, they are typically

made of metal (e.g., copper, zinc) and are inserted into the soil to collect electrons

generated by the soil’s biochemical reactions. The electrodes are connected to a circuit to

measure the voltage and current produced.

Soil moisture. It refers to the amount of water present in the soil, which affects

the soil’s electrical conductivity and biochemical reactions. In this study, it is measured

as the percentage of water content in the soil, typically using a soil moisture sensor or by
calculating the soil’s water-holding capacity. In this study, soil moisture is a variable

being manipulated to observe its effect on electricity generation.

Soil pH. It is a measure of the soil’s acidity or alkalinity, which affects the

availability of nutrients and ions for biochemical reactions. In this study, it is measured

using a pH meter or pH indicator strips, with values ranging from 0 (acidic) to 14

(alkaline). In this study, soil pH is a variable being measured to observe its effect on

electricity generation.

REFERENCES

Fosso-Kankaeu, E., Marx, S., Wanders, F., & Jacobs, V. (2015, November). Impact of

soil type on electricity generation from a Microbial Fuel Cell. In ICLTET’2015

Conference Paper (pp. 73-77).