Kerala Soil Museum
| Place | Thiruvananthapuram |
|---|---|
| State | Kerala |
| Virtual Museum | No |
| Year of Establishment | 2014 |
| Museum Type | Science and Natural History (Pedology / Soil Science) |
| National Importance Museum | Yes |
| Address | Soil Analytical Laboratory, Building of Central, Tilak Nagar, Parottukonam, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala 695044 |
| Visiting Time | 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM (Closed on Sundays and Public Holidays) |
| Entry Fee | Adults: ₹20
Children/Students: ₹10
Photography: ₹100
(Current rates for 2026 group educational tour |
Museum Introduction
Established in 2014 by the Department of Soil Survey and Soil Conservation, Government of Kerala, this unique museum is located at the Soil Analytical Complex in Parottukonam. It was created to provide a scientific and educational overview of the diverse soil types found across Kerala’s varied landscape—from its coastal plains to the high-altitude Western Ghats. The museum serves as a critical resource for farmers, researchers, and students to understand the fundamental foundation of agriculture and ecology.
General Collections
The museum houses a comprehensive collection of "Soil Monoliths"—vertical sections of soil preserved in their natural state, showing the distinct layers (horizons) from the surface down to the bedrock. It features detailed displays on soil formation, soil mineralogy, and the distribution of various soil orders across the 14 districts of Kerala.
Unique Historical Collections
The museum features a Soil Map of Kerala, which is a high-resolution, interactive display showing the spatial distribution of soil types across the state. It also contains rare Paleosols (ancient soils) and exhibits detailing the impact of climate change on soil health and carbon sequestration.
Additional Information
| Video URL | https://youtu.be/9utf3Wzh5-w?si=k8MOMFdLW1nUJWeR |
|---|---|
| Video Courtesy | Soilsurveyconservation YT Channel |
| Archaeological Survey of India | No |
| Notes | The museum is part of a larger complex that includes a Soil Information Centre and a state-of-the-art analytical laboratory. It is internationally recognized for its systematic methodology in preserving soil monoliths. |
| Artifacts | 82 soil monoliths representing the 82 soil series identified in Kerala; Samples of various rock types and the minerals derived from them; Soil testing equipment; Dioramas illustrating soil erosion and conservation techniques; Displays of micro-organisms found in healthy soil. |
| Highly Descriptive | Yes |
| Contact Details |
+91 471 2530323 +91 471 2531393 |
| Email ID |
keralasoilmuseum@gmail.com mail@soilmuseum.kerala.gov.in |
Artifact Gallery
