ISSN: 1945-7545
CODEN: GTJODJ
Page Count: 3

Suggested Test Method for Determination of the Soluble Salt Content of Soils by Refractometer

Chaney, RC
Associate professor, Humboldt State University, Arcata, CA

Slonim, SM
Supervisor of quality control, Environmental Chemical Specialties, Anaheim, CA

Slonim, SS
Chemistry supervisor, St. Jude Hospital, Fullerton, CA

Abstract

A method suitable for laboratory or field application is proposed to extract pore water from a soil and determine its salinity. The pore water is extracted from the soil using a soil press originally developed by Kriukov and Komarova. Once the pore water has been extracted its salinity is determined using a hand-held refractometer with either a parts per thousand (ppt) or refreaction index scale. Using this method it is possible to measure salinity to an accuracy of ±1 ppt. Notes on sample storage and handling are included.

Keywords:
soils, salinity, chemical analysis, pore water, refractometer, sample storage

Paper ID: GTJ10834J
DOI: 10.1520/GTJ10834J
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