The use of a dry combustion infrared instrumental technique to determine total and organic carbon in California soils

Abstract

A simple, reliable, method for determining both total and organic carbon in California soils using a dry combustion technique has been developed. Five soils of widely varying carbon contents were selected from locations in California and their total carbon and organic carbon content determined using a modified Dohrmann Carbon Analyzer (Model No. DC‐85A).The carbon analyzer was modified by the inclusion of an expansion chamber, which allowed for the determination of > 160 μg total carbon. A temperature differential method was developed to identify both the organic and, by difference, carbonate‐carbon components of each soil sample. Data obtained by this method compared favorably with determinations of organic carbon derived from a rapid dichromate oxidationlltralion technique.

Notes

The mention of commercial products, their source or use in connection with material reported herein is not to be construed as an actual or implied endorsement of such product by the California Department of Pesticide Regulation.