Comparison of Ammonium Acetate and Lithium Chloride Extraction Procedures for the Determination of Cation Exchange Capacity of Four Nebraska Soils

Authors

James Schepers, University of Nebraska-LincolnFollow

Document Type

Thesis

Date of this Version

6-1970

Citation

Thesis (M.S.)—University of Nebraska—Lincoln, 1970. Department of Agronomy.

Comments

Copyright 1970, the author. Used by permission.

Abstract

The most generally accepted method for caption exchange capacity (CEC) determination in the United States involves an NH₄OAc extracting solution buffered at pH 7.0. This method will be referred to as the standard method in this study. Development of a new procedure using buffered LiCl as an extractant will be discussed and the results compared to the standard method.

This study was initiated to devise a procedure that would conserve time and simplify the procedure by utilizing the capabilities of atomic absorption spectrophotometry. Using Li as the replacing cation, time can be conserved by direct analysis of the leachate for CEC rather than Kjeldahl distillation.

The objectives of this study include determining the correct combination of extraction techniques for the proposed LiCl method. Soil variables and extraction variables were included for the standard method and the new LiCl method. The extraction variables were pH of the extracting solution, concentration of the replacing ion and the ratio of extractant to soil. Four soils were used that ranged from acid to alkaline in pH and from coarse to fine in texture.

Advisor: Gary A. Peterson