A simple method for determination of ammonium in semimicro‐Kjeldahl analysis of soils and plant materials using a block digester

Abstract

A simple method for determination of ammonium in semimicro-Kjeldahl analysis of solids and plant materials using a Tecator or Technicon 40-tube block digester is described. It involves use of an inexpensive steam distillation apparatus that permits direct distillation of ammonium from the tubes used for Kjeldahl digestion in 40-tube block digesters. The method is rapid and precise, and it gives results that agree closely with those obtained by the customary method of ammonium N analysis involving transfer of the Kjeldahl digest before distillation.