LOSS‐ON‐IGNITION AS AN ESTIMATE OF ORGANIC MATTER AND ORGANIC CARBON IN NON‐CALCAREOUS SOILS

Abstract

Summary Examination of data on North Wales soils shows that a good correlation exists between loss‐on‐ignition and organic C values, determined by Tinsley's method. Ignition for half an hour at 850° C, and for 16 hours at 375 ±5° C have both been employed. The latter has advantages over the former procedure. Regression lines and prediction limits for organic C from loss‐on‐ignition are given from the data obtained. Although these regressions are not necessarily expected to be generally applicable, examination of some published data suggests that closely similar expressions may be. The method, because of its simplicity, can be usefully applied in a wide range of survey, analytical and ecological studies, in spite of the known sources of error.