On the Use of the Katharometer for the Estimation of Carbon Dioxide Concentrations in Soils

Abstract

The method depends upon the difference in thermal conductivity between carbon dioxide and other components of the soil atmosphere. The circuit calibration and mode of operation of the instrument are fully described together with an investigation of the effect of differences in ambient temperature. Values of carbon dioxide concentration obtained in trials on culture and field soils are given. The values lie within ranges reported by earlier workers using gas analysis of samples of soil air.