Soil Analysis for Agriculture, Environmental Research, and Soil Health

Determination of Moisture and Ash in Soils

Soil water content plays an important role in groundwater recharge and soil chemistry. The amount of moisture or soil water is important as it serves as a solvent and carrier of food nutrients for plant growth, allows microorganisms to perform metabolic activities important for releasing nutrients in the soil, and regulates soil temperature. Additionally, the determination of a variety of analytically important constituents within soil (carbon, nitrogen, sulfur, etc.) requires moisture correction utilizing an accurate moisture value. Ash determination can be utilized to calculate the organic matter content of soils.

Using CN828 to Determine Carbon and Nitrogen in Soil

Using CN828 to Determine Carbon and Nitrogen in Soil

Carbon and nitrogen content in soil provides critical insight into organic matter levels, nitrogen availability, and overall soil fertility. This application note describes the determination of total carbon and nitrogen in arable soils using the LECO CN828 combustion analyzer. Accurate CN data helps growers diagnose nutrient-related growth issues, optimize carbon-to-nitrogen ratios, and make informed fertilization…

Carbon and Nitrogen in Soils and Plant Tissues with CN928

Carbon and Nitrogen in Soils and Plant Tissues with CN928

Carbon and nitrogen analysis of crop tissue and soil provides critical insight into plant nutrition, nutrient uptake efficiency, and soil fertility. This application note describes the determination of total carbon and nitrogen using the LECO CN928 macro combustion analyzer, which supports accurate assessment of soil organic matter, nitrogen availability, and fertilization needs for intensively managed…

Determination of Total Organic Carbon in Soil by Acid Digestion and Combustion

Total organic carbon (TOC) determination in soil is a common and important analytical tool because TOC content can directly affect plant growth. It works as both a source of energy and a trigger for nutrient availability through mineralization.

Acid Digestion Determination of Total Organic Carbon in Rock Samples

Acid Digestion Determination of Total Organic Carbon in Rock Samples

The LECO C832 measures total organic carbon in soil, rock, and shale using macro combustion, supporting hydrocarbon exploration, agriculture, and quality control.

Comparing Total Organic Carbon (TOC) Methods Across Soil Types

Comparing Total Organic Carbon (TOC) Methods Across Soil Types

This study compares two methods for determining total organic carbon (TOC) in soil and rock: classical acid treatment with sample transfer and a new direct-in-boat acid treatment. High-temperature combustion and infrared detection are used to quantify carbon, with results evaluated across hydrophilic and hydrophobic soils, including reference materials.

Comparing Acid Treatments for Total Organic Carbon (TOC) Analysis in Soil and Rock

Comparing Acid Treatments for Total Organic Carbon (TOC) Analysis in Soil and Rock

This study compares methods for determining total organic carbon (TOC) in soil and rock, including acid-treated and direct combustion approaches. High-temperature carbon analyzers (C744/844, C832, RC612) are used to oxidize carbon to CO₂, with infrared detection providing accurate quantification. Both hydrophilic and hydrophobic samples, as well as soil reference materials and rocks, are evaluated.

ISO 10694:1995

ISO 10694:1995

Soil quality — Determination of organic and total carbon after dry combustion (elementary analysis)

Determination of Total Organic Carbon in Soil by Temperature Differentiation

Total organic carbon (TOC) determination in soil is a common and important analytical tool because TOC content can directly affect plant growth. It works as both a source of energy and a trigger for nutrient availability through mineralization. The temperature-dependent method requires minimal sample pretreatment and no acidification, removing hazardous chemicals and time-consuming acid digestions from the process.

Determining Total Organic Carbon with Temperature Dependent Differentiation

Determining Total Organic Carbon with Temperature Dependent Differentiation

Total Organic Carbon (TOC) analysis is critical for evaluating hydrocarbon potential, raw material quality, and soil health. This application note describes temperature-dependent TOC determination using the LECO RC612, which eliminates acid digestion by differentiating organic and inorganic carbon through controlled furnace heating. The method provides efficient, accurate carbon analysis with minimal sample preparation and simultaneous…

Determination of Moisture and Ash in Soils

Soil water content plays an important role in groundwater recharge and soil chemistry. The amount of moisture or soil water is important as it serves as a solvent and carrier of food nutrients for plant growth, allows microorganisms to perform metabolic activities important for releasing nutrients in the soil, and regulates soil temperature. Additionally, the determination of a variety of analytically important constituents within soil (carbon, nitrogen, sulfur, etc.) requires moisture correction utilizing an accurate moisture value. Ash determination can be utilized to calculate the organic matter content of soils.

Determination of Moisture and Ash in Soil with TGA801

Determination of Moisture and Ash in Soil with TGA801

Soil moisture and ash content are key indicators of soil health, crop yield potential, and organic matter levels. This application note describes the use of thermogravimetric analysis with the LECO TGA801 to accurately measure moisture and ash in soils. By controlling temperature, atmosphere, and ventilation, the TGA801 enables simultaneous analysis of up to 19 samples,…

Determining Moisture in Soil with Thermogravimetric Analysis

Determining Moisture in Soil with Thermogravimetric Analysis

Soil moisture plays a critical role in plant growth, nutrient transport, microbial activity, and irrigation management. This application note describes the use of thermogravimetric analysis for soil moisture determination using the LECO TGM800 and TGA801. By measuring mass loss through controlled heating, these analyzers provide accurate moisture values needed for ongoing soil monitoring and for…