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Alkalinity Measurements in Water Extracts of Calcareous Soils

U.S. Army Cold Regions Research and Engineering Lab., 72 Lyme Rd., Hanover, NH 03755

W.H. Schlesinger

Botany Dep., Duke Univ., Durham, NC 27706

P.J. Fonteyn

Office of Research and Professional Development, San Francisco State Univ., San Francisco, CA 94132

* Corresponding author.

ABSTRACT

In soil carbonate solubility studies, it is usually assumed that total alkalinity is equal to inorganic-C alkalinity. Recent studies have raised questions about the validity of this assumption. This study reexamined previously published soil data from grass-oak (Quercus spp.) woodlands and deserts to test the hypothesis that total alkalinity is equal to inorganic-C alkalinity. Total alkalinity was measured with strong-acid titration, while inorganic-C alkalinity was calculated from pH and the partial pressure of CO₂ (pCO₂) measurements. Within the limits of error, calculated inorganic C alkalinity (Y) was equal to measured total alkalinity (X) (Y = 0.01 + 0.998X, r² = 0.97). A recommendation was made for overdetermining the state of experimental systems in solubility studies; this allows one to check the internal consistency of experimental measurements, equilibrium constants, and model assumptions.

Contribution from the Cold Regions Research and Engineering Lab.

Received for publication March 22, 1991.