What Can Soil Tell Us About A Lake’s Health? The Hidden Story Beneath Our Feet
16 July 2026
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Written by:
Anis Farhana Mohamad Radi
Student
Faculty of Applied Sciences,
Universiti Teknologi MARA Cawangan Pahang, Jengka Campus
Ts Dr Nurun Nadhirah Md Isa
Lecturer
Faculty of Applied Sciences,
Universiti Teknologi MARA Cawangan Pahang, Jengka Campus
Soil is often described as the “living skin” of the Earth because it is home to countless microorganisms, insects, fungi and plant roots. Beyond supporting biodiversity, soil acts as a natural filtration system. Before rainwater reaches a lake, it passes through the surrounding soil, where many pollutants and sediments are trapped. Healthy soil also reduces erosion, stores nutrients and regulates water movement, making it an essential component of sustainable freshwater ecosystems. Unfortunately, soil is frequently overlooked in environmental conservation efforts. While water quality is commonly monitored, the condition of the surrounding soil receives far less attention, even though changes in soil properties can directly influence the health of a lake over time. To better understand the condition of soils surrounding freshwater ecosystems, a study was conducted at two lakes in Jengka, Pahang: Taman Awam Jengka Lake and the Faculty of Wood Technology Lake, Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM) Pahang Branch.
Twelve soil samples were collected from four sampling locations around the two lakes. Each sample was analysed to determine several important physicochemical properties, including soil moisture content, bulk density, soil texture, soil pH, soil organic matter and heavy metal concentrations. These parameters provide valuable information about soil quality and help scientists evaluate the environmental condition of an ecosystem.
One of the most interesting findings was that the soils from the two lakes were noticeably different. The soil surrounding Taman Awam Jengka Lake contained higher moisture levels and greater amounts of organic matter. It was also classified as loam, a soil type that contains a balanced mixture of sand, silt and clay. Loamy soil is often regarded as one of the best soil types because it retains water and nutrients while still allowing sufficient drainage and air movement for plant roots. In contrast, the soil surrounding the Faculty of Wood Technology Lake was classified as sandy loam. Sandy soils contain larger particles with wider pore spaces, allowing water to drain more rapidly. As a result, they generally hold less moisture and fewer nutrients than loamy soils. A simple way to understand this difference is to imagine two household items. Loamy soil behaves like a sponge, it absorbs and stores water efficiently. Sandy soil, on the other hand, acts more like a sieve, allowing water to pass through quickly. This difference influences how well plants grow and how nutrients are retained in the soil.
Soil samples were collected from several locations surrounding the lake before being analysed in the laboratory.
Water is essential for every living organism, and the amount of water stored in soil directly affects plant growth, microbial activity and nutrient cycling. The study found that soils around Taman Awam Jengka Lake contained higher moisture than those around the Faculty of Wood Technology Lake. Higher soil moisture supports microorganisms responsible for breaking down organic materials into nutrients that plants can absorb. It also helps maintain healthy vegetation around the lake, which protects the shoreline from erosion and reduces sediment entering the water. Healthy vegetation creates a positive cycle. Plants contribute organic matter to the soil through fallen leaves and roots, while healthy soil provides the nutrients and water needed for plants to continue growing. Another important finding was that all soil samples were slightly acidic, with pH values ranging between 5.00 and 5.83. Although acidity is often viewed negatively, slightly acidic soils are common in tropical countries like Malaysia. High rainfall gradually washes away basic minerals such as calcium and magnesium, leaving soils naturally acidic. Many tropical plant species have adapted well to these conditions, making slightly acidic soils a normal feature of Malaysian ecosystems.
The study also showed that soils surrounding Taman Awam Jengka Lake contained higher levels of soil organic matter than those surrounding the Faculty of Wood Technology Lake. Soil organic matter consists of decomposed leaves, roots and other plant materials. It is one of the most valuable components of soil because it improves water retention, enhances soil structure and supplies nutrients needed for plant growth. In many ways, soil organic matter functions as nature’s own fertiliser. The more organic matter present, the healthier and more fertile the soil tends to be.
Heavy metals are naturally present in soils but can accumulate due to human activities such as traffic, agriculture and urban development. Because excessive heavy metals may threaten ecosystems, the study measured four commonly monitored metals: copper (Cu), zinc (Zn), chromium (Cr) and lead (Pb). Cu showed the highest concentration among the analysed metals followed by Zn, Cr and Pb. However, an encouraging finding was that all detected concentrations remained within acceptable environmental limits, indicating that the soils surrounding both lakes are currently in relatively good environmental condition. Regular monitoring remains important because heavy metals can accumulate gradually over time if surrounding land use changes or pollution sources increase.
Healthy lakes do not depend solely on clean water. They also depend on healthy surrounding soils. The soil acts as a natural barrier that filters pollutants before they reach the lake, supports vegetation that prevents erosion, stores nutrients for plants and provides habitat for countless microorganisms. When soil quality declines, the effects eventually spread to the water, wildlife and even the people who depend on these ecosystems. As urban development continues and recreational activities around lakes become more popular, understanding soil health becomes increasingly important. Scientific studies like this provide valuable baseline information that can guide environmental monitoring and sustainable land management. Protecting freshwater ecosystems begins with protecting the ground beneath our feet. The next time you visit a lake, take a moment to look beyond the water. Beneath every step lies a hidden world that quietly keeps the entire ecosystem alive.
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