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A Comparison of Methods for the Determination of Soil Reaction¹

ABSTRACT

A comparison of methods for determining soil reaction and lime requirements of soils was made, using 150 soils that were representative of the three soil provinces of Virginia.

The rapid tests, given in order of their accuracy, which was determined by comparison with the hydrogen electrode method, are: LaMotte-Hester, Hellige, Modified Indiana, LaMotte-Morgan, Missouri Potassium Thiocyanate, and Soiltex.

The glass electrode method proved to be more accurate than the quinhydrone electrode method.

Using accuracy, cost, and general adaptability as criteria, the results of this investigation indicate that the LaMotte-Hester method is best adapted for use under Virginia conditions, where the facilities necessary for its operation are available. The Modified Indiana method was found to be the most accurate and cheapest method adapted to actual field use.

Of the laboratory methods evaluated, the results indicate that the glass electrode method is preferable to the quinhydrone electrode method on the piedmont and limestone valley and uplands soils of Virginia, while there appears to be little choice between the two methods on soils of the coastal plains province of Virginia.

¹ Contribution from the Department of Agronomy, Virginia Agricultural Experiment Station, Blacksburg, Va.

² Assistant Agronomist and Associate Agronomist, respectively. The writers wish to express their grateful indebtedness to LaMotte Chemical Products Co. for furnishing indicator solution for the LaMotte-Hester and La-Motte-Morgan determinations, and to Will Corp. for the loaning of the glass electrode used in this study.