Determining free aluminium content in soil samples typically involves extraction followed by spectroscopic analysis. Here is a general outline of a procedure you might use, although you should be sure to tailor it to your specific needs and follow any safety protocols:
Sample Preparation: Collect soil samples from the area of interest. Be sure to wear gloves to prevent contamination of the samples. Dry the soil samples in an oven at around 60°C until they reach a constant weight. After drying, grind the samples until they pass through a 2mm sieve.
Extraction of Free Aluminium: Weigh about 10 grams of the soil sample into a 50 ml centrifuge tube. Add 20 ml of 1M KCl to each sample. Shake the sample for about 1 hour, then centrifuge it for about 10 minutes at around 4000 rpm.
Filtration: Decant the supernatant into a filtration setup (a funnel with filter paper placed over a beaker). The filtrate is the extract used for the determination of free aluminium.
Analysis: Measure the aluminium concentration in the filtrate using FAAS or ICP-OES according to the instrument's operating manual.
Please consult the literature for specific details. I recommend reading articles such as:
Zörb, C., Senbayram, M., & Peiter, E. (2014). Potassium in agriculture – Status and perspectives. Journal of Plant Physiology, 171(9), 656-669.
Tessier, A., Campbell, P. G. C., & Bisson, M. (1979). Sequential extraction procedure for the speciation of particulate trace metals. Analytical Chemistry, 51(7), 844-851.
Remember, following all safety protocols when handling chemicals and operating instruments in the lab is important. Always wear the appropriate personal protective equipment, including gloves, a lab coat, and safety glasses, and ensure your workspace is well-ventilated.