I am looking for an easy way to indicate the soil buffer capacity and I had this idea in my mind that the difference between the pH measured in water and CaCl2 can be used to extimate this. In this case the smaller the diference the smaller the buffer capacity. Is this correct? and if so are there any references out there to back up this explanation?
@ Ifeoma, actually the difference between the pH measured in water and CaCl2 indicate the soil solution electrolyte concentration. We observed that the pH difference between the two methods became smaller with increasing soil electrical conductivity (EC). I don't think it is related to the soil buffer capacity.
the difference between them may be small if you take the CaCL2 salt. But it is possible to get other salt.
You can increase the pH difference, e.g., by using 1 M KCl, and KCl is used to displace exchange acidity. However, the answer is 'no'. Please look up the concept of the point of zero charge.
Yes, the difference between soil pH measured in water and CaCl2 can be used to indicate soil buffer capacity, as it reflects the ability of soil to resist changes in pH when acid or base is added. However, it is important to note that this method only provides an estimate of soil buffer capacity and is not a definitive measure.
The smaller the difference between soil pH measured in water and CaCl2, the smaller the buffer capacity of the soil. This is because soils with a lower buffer capacity are less able to resist changes in pH caused by acid or base inputs.
There are several studies that have used this method to estimate soil buffer capacity, and it has been shown to be a useful indicator in many cases. However, it is important to note that other factors, such as soil texture, organic matter content, and nutrient status, can also influence soil buffer capacity and should be considered when interpreting results.
References:
- Franzluebbers, A. J., Stuedemann, J. A., & Schomberg, H. H. (2000). Soil organic matter stratification ratio as an indicator of soil surface quality. Soil Science Society of America Journal, 64(3), 918-926.
- Karathanasis, A. D. (1997). Soil pH buffering capacity: a descriptive function and its estimation from soil data. Soil Science Society of America Journal, 61(4), 1027-1032.
- McLean, E. O. (1982). Soil pH and lime requirement. Methods of soil analysis: Part 2. Chemical and microbiological properties, (9), 199-224.
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