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Alkalinity Measurements in Water Extracts of Calcareous Soils
Author(s) -
Marion G.M.,
Schlesinger W.H.,
Fonteyn P.J.
Publication year - 1992
Publication title -
soil science society of america journal
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.836
H-Index - 168
eISSN - 1435-0661
pISSN - 0361-5995
DOI - 10.2136/sssaj1992.03615995005600020042x
Subject(s) - alkalinity , chemistry , calcareous , carbonate , titration , solubility , soil water , alkali soil , calcareous soils , environmental chemistry , mineralogy , hydrology (agriculture) , soil science , inorganic chemistry , environmental science , geology , organic chemistry , geotechnical engineering , paleontology
In soil carbonate solubility studies, it is usually assumed that total alkalinity is equal to inorganic‐C alkalinity. Recent studies have raised questions about the validity of this assumption. This study reexamined previously published soil data from grass‐oak ( Quercus spp.) woodlands and deserts to test the hypothesis that total alkalinity is equal to inorganic‐C alkalinity. Total alkalinity was measured with strong‐acid titration, while inorganic‐C alkalinity was calculated from pH and the partial pressure of CO 2 ( p CO 2 ) measurements. Within the limits of error, calculated inorganic C alkalinity ( Y ) was equal to measured total alkalinity ( X ) ( Y = 0.01 + 0.998 X , r 2 = 0.97). A recommendation was made for overdetermining the state of experimental systems in solubility studies; this allows one to check the internal consistency of experimental measurements, equilibrium constants, and model assumptions.