A simple high sample volume ashing procedure for determination of soil organic matter

Abstract

A simple ashing procedure for routine determination of soil organic matter is described. Soils (215) from 19 states [USA] and Canada were ashed at 500.degree. C and the percent weight loss plotted against the percent organic matter determined by Walkley-Black titration. The resulting regression equation gave a correlation coefficient of 0.98. The organic matter content of experimental samples ranged 0.64%-52.4% as determined by the Walkley-Black method. The proposed procedure incorporates a computerized weighing system and permits 1600 organic matter determinations/day.