Use of a Total Carbon/Nitrogen Analyzer for the Determination of Organic and Inorganic Carbon in Soil, Manure, and
Composts. (S08-pitt925747-poster)
Authors:
J.L. Pitt* - Texas A&M Univ.
T.L. Provin - Texas A&M Univ.
F.M. Hons - Texas A&M Univ.
F. Dou - Texas A&M Univ.
J.S. Waskom - Texas A&M Univ.
Abstract:
Carbon sequestration/carbon credit issues will require periodic field verification. Most commonly used methods by soil testing laboratories, including loss on ignition, Walkley-Black, and modified Mebius are unable to accurately track small changes in soil organic carbon, produce hazardous waste, or both.
Previous research utilized total carbon analyzers for the determination of soil organic carbon through destruction of inorganic carbonates by acidification, or reduction of furnace temperatures to levels sufficiently low to prevent inorganic carbon destruction. Alteration of furnace temperatures is the preferred method, as simple carbon forms are often not lost upon acidification. Our laboratory study expanded previously published works by the incorporation of additional organic rich soil amendments.
Combustion temperatures of 425-950 C were evaluated using an Elementar vario MAX CN analyzer.
A combustion temperature between 625 and 650 C was required to achieve full organic carbon recovery within the diverse sample set, without inclusion of inorganic carbon. Selection of suitable organic carbon standards, sample preparation, instrument setup and temperature required for inorganic carbon recovery will also be presented.
Speaker Information: John Pitt, Texas A&M Univ., 345 Heep Center 2474 TAMU, College Station, TX 77843-2474; Phone: 979-845-4816; E-mail: [email protected]
Session Information: Tuesday, November 4, 2003, 2:30 PM-4:30 PM Presentation Start: 2:30 PM (Poster Board Number: 1534)
Keywords: inorganic carbon; organic carbon; carbon analysis; C/N analyzer
