Learning from Our Local Ground: Investigating Soil Health in Tetovo Through Biology and Mathematics

Soil as a fundamental Earth resource is strongly affected by human activity, especially in urban and semi-urban environments. In Tetovo (North Macedonia), visible variations in soil characteristics are created because of traffic-related pollution, land-use changes along the Pena River, and differences between green and built-up areas. These local environmental conditions provide a relevant context for investigating human impact on Earth systems within school-based geoscience projects.
This study examines soil quality at three contrasting locations in Tetovo: a city park, a busy roadside near Marshal Tito Boulevard, and the riverbank of the Pena River. Soil samples were collected from a uniform depth of 5–10 cm and analyzed using methods suitable for school laboratories. The investigated parameters included soil color determined using a printed Munsell chart, soil texture identified by the feel method, pH, water absorption capacity, and organic matter content estimated through a jar test.
Quantitative data were recorded, and interpreted using basic mathematical analysis. The results revealed clear differences among the sampling sites. Soil from the city park showed a yellowish-brown color (10YR 5/4), predominantly clayey texture, acidic pH (5), moderate water absorption, and medium organic matter content. Roadside soil was characterized by a strong brown color (7.5YR 5/6), slightly gritty clayey texture, near-neutral pH (6), higher water absorption, and high organic matter accumulation, indicating anthropogenic influence. In contrast, riverbank soil exhibited a greyish-brown color (2.5Y 5/2), sandy texture, near-neutral pH (6), relatively high-water absorption, and low organic matter content.
The comparison demonstrates that soil properties vary significantly with land use and human impact. The study highlights how simple field and laboratory methods are especially useful in school-based geoscience education and can be used to observe the impact of human activities on soil properties and support a better understanding of local Earth resources.