Capability of Loss‐on‐Ignition as a Predictor of Total Organic Carbon in Non‐Calcareous Forest Soils

Abstract

Accurate analyses of large numbers of soil samples are needed in order to reduce the uncertainty of carbon inventories. Loss‐on‐ignition (LOI) is still considered the most convenient assessment method, but its accuracy and precision for predicting total organic carbon (TOC) is questioned. However, our estimation of measurement precision for different samples showed comparable relative standard deviations (RSDs) for LOI and TOC determinations. Highest precision was found in forest floor samples (RSD<1.2%) and lowest (RSD 5–10%) in sandy soil samples low in organic matter. Forest floor samples (n=66) and non‐calcareous mineral soil samples (n=654) were used to calibrate and validate predictive equations. Excellent linear relationships were found. For a wide range of soils the bivariate predictive equation TOC=−0.1046 Clay+0.5936 LOI (r²=0.98) was developed and validated. After correction for clay content, slopes averaged remarkably close to the traditional 0.58 conversion factor.

Keywords:

• Organic carbon
• loss‐on‐ignition
• forest soils
• assessment method
• prediction

Acknowledgments

The authors wish to thank Nele Rogiers, Lieven Vanhoute, Tom Brichau, Carine Buysse, Els Mencke, Athanaska Verhelst, Anya Derop and Ann Capieau for their technical assistance. Special thanks to the Flemish Forest Service for access to the forest sites.