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A Microscopic Method for the Detection of Alkaline Earth Carbonates in Soils¹

ABSTRACT

A microscopic method for the detection and estimation of alkaline earth carbonates in soils is described. Essentially, the method consists of adding 10.7N sulfuric acid to soil on a glass slide and estimating microscopically the carbonates from the number of needle-like crystals of calcium or magnesium sulfate that develop. Trace amounts of carbonates can be estimated. The method is also useful in the determination of the relative number of fragments or coatings of carbonates in soils. Data indicate that soils differ in the thickness of the carbonate coating on minerals and in the presence of concretions or rock fragments.

¹ Contribution from Dept. of Agronomy, Nebraska Agr. Exp. Sta., Lincoln, Nebr. Published with the approval of the Director as Paper No. 800, Journal Series of the Nebraska Agr. Exp. Sta. Presented before Div. II, Soil Science Society of America, Cincinnati, Ohio. Nov. 13, 1956.

² Associate Professor of Agronomy. The author is now Professor of Soil Technology, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, Pa. Acknowledgement is hereby given to Raymond Shipp, graduate assistant, University of Nebraska, Lincoln, Nebr. for helpful laboratory assistance.

Received for publication February 7, 1957. Accepted for publication May 17, 1957.