Determination of Organic Carbon in Soil Samples: an Interlaboratory Study

The determination of organic carbon plays a fundamental role in the characterization of soils and sediments.  Total organic carbon (TOC) analysis is indispensible in assessing soil health and fertility by indicating the organic matter's decomposition stage. Elevated organic carbon levels often correlate with enhanced fertility and microbial activity, influencing nutrient availability.

In agricultural science the quantification of organic carbon influences decisions related to crop management, fertilizer application, and soil amendments. Moreover, recent studies have leveraged TOC analysis to monitor carbon sequestration efforts, guiding initiatives aimed at mitigating climate change.

This application note explores the performance features of the new VELP combustion analyzer CN 802 and EMA 502 by assessing accuracy and reliability in soil analysis. Interlaboratory studies were enlisted to assess analytical proficiency of these systems over a range of sample matrices and testing conditions.