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Rapid method for the determination of cation‐exchange capacity of calcareous and non‐calcareous soils
Author(s) -
Bascomb C. L.
Publication year - 1964
Publication title -
journal of the science of food and agriculture
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.782
H-Index - 142
eISSN - 1097-0010
pISSN - 0022-5142
DOI - 10.1002/jsfa.2740151201
Subject(s) - cation exchange capacity , calcareous , chemistry , soil water , titration , precipitation , ion exchange , magnesium , barium , inorganic chemistry , ion exchange resin , carbonate , calcareous soils , calcium carbonate , organic matter , mineralogy , environmental chemistry , ion , soil science , geology , organic chemistry , paleontology , physics , meteorology
Abstract “Compulsive” exchange takes place between a barium‐soil and magnesium sulphate solution because Ba 2+ ions are removed from solution by precipitation of barium sulphate. This phenomenon provides a basis for the very convenient routine method for cation‐exchange capacity determination in soils described here. An EDTA titration is used to measure the amount of magnesium exchanged from a standard solution by a Ba‐soil, which enables the cation‐exchange capacity to be calculated. Advantages of the method are its speed and that the sample does not have to be washed exhaustively, so avoiding possible hydrolysis. It compares favourably with standard A.O.A.C. procedure and is much more widely applicable. Soils rich in organic matter, e.g., peats, or with much calcium carbonate, can be handled without difficulty.