An apparatus is described that automatically extracts and analyses batches of up to 60 soil samples. Analysis is performed electrochemically by means of either a pH or ion-selective and reference electrodes. The electrode output is amplified and recorded on a chart recorder, thereby allowing the electrode performance to be monitored. Results of tests with both pH and nitrate ion-selective electrodes are reported. Good agreement was obtained between automatic and manual methods. Difficulty was experienced with the operation of an Orion nitrate electrode but tests using a Corning electrode on the apparatus gave excellent recoveries and reproducibility.