Dear Subscribers,

I have found a few different methods which explain how soil samples should
be prepared for the removal of carbonates, hence getting a handle on the
organic C signature.

Some say 0.5 M HCl some say 1.0 M HCl, some say leave for 3 days others say
until bubbles stop.  Some also say separation through density must be
completed using different solutions before attempting HCl wash.

Is there now some consistent method everybody uses.

These are forest soils if this is helpful.

Also can soil samples be frozen prior to preparation.  Until you have a few
free days to tend samples.

Any clarification would help on the standard procedure most people refer to
now.

Thanks.

Lisa Wingate
Edinburgh University Biosphere Atmosphere Programme
Institute of Ecology and Resource Management
The King's Buildings
Edinburgh
Scotland
UK
EH9 3JU

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phone:  0131 650 5425
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