Standard Operation Procediment - Available Phosphorus Mehlich I

Standard operating procedure
for soil available phosphorus
Mehlich I Method
Standard operating procedure
for soil available phosphorus
Mehlich I method
Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations

Rome, 2021
Required citation:
FAO. 2021. Standard operating Procedure for soil available phosphorus - Mehlich I method. Rome.
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Global Soil Laboratory Network
GLOSOLAN-SOP-11
GLOSOLAN
SOIL AVAILABLE PHOSPHORUS Version number : 1 Page 1 of 13

Mehlich I Method
Effective date : 24 March 2021
SOIL AVAILABLE PHOSPHORUS

Mehlich I Method
VERSION HISTORY
N° Date Description of the modification Type of modification

01 24 March 2021 All comments by RESOLANs and Finalization of the SOP
reviewers to the draft SOP were
addressed
02
03
04
Modify by Revision Approval date Validated date

GLOSOLAN SOP Tech. W.G. By the Review Panel 24 March 2021 24 March 2021
Global leader: Rosalina González
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Contents
1. Brief introduction to phosphorus................................................................................................. 3
2. Scope and field of application ..................................................................................................... 3
3. Principle.......................................................................................................................................... 3
4. Apparatus ....................................................................................................................................... 3
5. Materials ......................................................................................................................................... 4
6. Health and safety .......................................................................................................................... 5
7. Sample preparation ...................................................................................................................... 6
8. Procedure ...................................................................................................................................... 6
8.1 Calibration of the apparatus.......................................................................................................... 6
8.2 Determination of the phosphorous (P) content............................................................................ 6
9. Calculation ..................................................................................................................................... 8
10. Quality assurance/quality control................................................................................................. 9
10.1. Precision test .............................................................................................................................. 9
10.2. Trueness test ............................................................................................................................ 10
10.3. Control chart............................................................................................................................. 10
11. References .................................................................................................................................. 10
12. Appendix I - Acknowledgements .............................................................................................. 12
13. Appendix II - List of authors ........................................................................................................ 12
14. Appendix III - Contributing laboratories ................................................................................... 13

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1. Brief introduction to phosphorus

Phosphorus (P) enables plants to convert solar energy into chemical energy which is used to synthesize
sugars, starches, and proteins. Phosphorus is relatively immobile in soils. Thus, plants may have a P
deficiency early in the season since the volume of soil the roots occupy and actively absorb nutrients
from is small. Phosphorus deficiency can persist if root growth is inhibited through factors such as low
soil pH, soil temperature, or soil moisture. Most fertilizer P added to soil reacts with iron, aluminium, and
calcium to become insoluble and unavailable to the plant. Therefore, the amount of plant-available
phosphorus is much lower than total phosphorus in soil. There are several soil tests that are successful
in extracting a portion of the insoluble P that is well correlated to the amount of P utilized by plants (Miller
& Oldham, 2014).
In 1953, Mehlich introduced a combination of HCl and H2SO4 acids to extract P from soils in the north-
central region of the U.S.
In this method, labile P is extracted by acid dissolution, which preferentially attacks P pools associated
with calcium compounds and, to a lesser extent with aluminium and iron compounds.
2. Scope and field of application

The Mehlich-I extraction method was originally designed to determine the bioavailability of phosphorus
(P), potassium (K), calcium (Ca), and magnesium (Mg) in soils (Mehlich, 1953). Mehlich-1 extractable
P correlates poorly to crop growth on soils from diverse physiographic regions and soils containing
phosphate rock (Mehlich, 1978; Mehlich, 1984). However, the method is suitable for determining
bioavailable P in acid soils with low cation exchange capacity; (CEC) less than 10 cmolc kg-1. The
amount of P and K extracted with Mehlich-1 has been calibrated to quantify the amount of P and K
fertilizer needed to maximize crop yields in various regions. This method has also been adapted for
simultaneous determination of additional plant nutrients in the extract using ICP-OES.
3. Principle
The Mehlich-1 SOP is suitable for determining bioavailable P in acid soils with low cation exchange
capacity (<10 cmolc kg-1), and low organic matter content (<5%). Mehlich-I extracting reagent contains
HCl and H2SO4 and was originally referred to as the Double Acid or North Carolina method. Phosphorus
extracted by Mehlich-1 can be determined spectrophotometrically by reacting P with molybdate, in a
reducing media, to form a blue-coloured complex, or by inductively coupled plasma optical emission
spectrometry (ICP-OES).
4. Apparatus
4.1. No. 10 (2 mm) opening sieve
4.2. Automatic pipette pumps (100, 25, and 5 mL capacity)
4.3. Standard soil scoops 10 cm3.
4.4. Extraction vessels, such as 125 mL Erlenmeyer flasks
4.5. Reciprocating or rotary shaker capable of 180 oscillations per minute
4.6. Analytical balance with 0.01 g resolution

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4.7. 20 L and 1 L borosilicate glass volumetric flasks

4.8. Laboratory heating and drying oven
4.9. 500 mL glass beaker
4.10. 1 L amber glass volumetric flask
4.11. Filter funnels and vials for receiving filtrates
4.12. Vortex stirrer (if analysing P via molybdate-blue spectrophotometry)
4.13. Inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometer (ICP-OES)
4.14 UV-VIS spectrophotometer capable of measuring absorbance at 880nm (if analysing P via
molybdate-blue spectrophotometry).
Remark: The measuring wavelength for phosphorus is not exclusively 880 nm, a wavelength of
660 nm is also commonly used. If the spectrophotometer has the capability of scanning, you could scan
the sensitivity of wavelengths between 200 and 900 nm to determine the most suitable wavelength to
use.
5. Materials
All reagents shall be of at least Analytical Grade.
5.1. At least type II ASTM water (resistivity > 1 MΩ cm-1 or electrical conductivity < 1µS.cm-1).
5.2. Mehlich-1 Solution/Extracting Solution (0.05M HCl + 0.0125M H2SO4) in a soil:solution ratio of 1:10.
Add 13.8 mL conc. H2SO4 (d = 1.84 g cm-3 or 98%) and 83 mL conc. HCl (d = 1.19 g cm-3 or 37%)
make up to 20 L with distilled water and thoroughly stir. The pH of the extracting solution is
approximately 1.2.
5.3. Ammonium molybdate (stock solution) – Weigh 2.00 g bismuth subcarbonate. Add 250 mL of
distilled or deionized water to a 1 L borosilicate glass volumetric flask. Add 150 mL of concentrated
H2SO4, ensure that all bismuth salt has been dissolved. Allow solution to cool down. Separately,
weigh 20.00 g of ammonium molybdate in a 500 mL beaker and dissolve in 200 mL of distilled or
deionized water. Transfer the ammonium molybdate solution to the volumetric flask containing the
bismuth subcarbonate solution. Fill to volume with distilled or deionized water, mix well.
5.4. Phosphorus standard – 25 mg L-1, prepare by adding 25 mL of 1000 mg L-1 P stock solution
(commercially purchased for spectrophotometric UV-Vis determination) to 1 L extracting solution
(Mehlich-1 Solution). Or by dissolving 0.1098 g KH2PO4 P.A., (dried at 105 ºC for 2 hours) in 1 L of
extracting solution (Mehlich-1 Solution).
5.5. Phosphorus standard for spectrophotometric UV-Vis determination (1, 2, 3 and 4 mg L-1 P calibration
solutions) - pipet, respectively, 10, 20, 30 and 40 mL of the P stock solution (25 mg L-1 of P) in four
250 mL volumetric flasks. Fill to volume with the extracting solution (Mehlich-I Solution).
5.6 Preparation of standards for ICP-OES determination

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a) Primary standard - From commercially purchased standard solutions containing 1000 mg L-1 of each
analyte, prepare 1 L of primary standard in Mehlich-1 extracting solution. This calibration standard
will have the highest concentration of analytes.
b) Working standards - prepare additional calibration standards by diluting the primary standard with
Mehlich-I extracting solution. Recommended concentration ranges for calibration standards are
shown in Table 1 for ICP-OES.
Source: Soil Test Methods from the Southeastern United States, 2014. pp. 96.
c) Cations (K, Ca, Mg, Na, Fe, Mn, Cu, Zn) can be grouped together in the same calibration standards
for ICP-OES. Likewise, anion (P, B) analytes can be grouped together. Avoid combining cation and
anion analytes in the same standards since precipitation may remove analytes from solution.
6. Health and safety

• Special care is required while operating the spectrophotometer, handling of chemicals, and
waste disposal.
• Observe normal laboratory safety practice in connecting spectrophotometer and ICP-OES to
the power supply
• Personal safety aids, such as laboratory coats, protective gloves, safety glasses, face shields
and proper footwear, should be used.
• The waste should never be disposed of in the laboratory sink but collected in a plastic container
for proper disposal at the specified places and in the manner described in national legislation
for waste disposal.
• Acids and other chemicals must be labelled properly, indicating their hazardous nature.
• In the preparation of H2SO4 and HCl solutions remember to add acid to water and not the vice-
versa.
• Ammonium molybdate solution is corrosive. If it comes in contact with the eyes or the body, it
can cause serious health damage. When it reacts with metals hydrogen gas may be produced,
whereas oxides of sulphur may be produced when it reacts with fire.
• Ascorbic acid has no known effect on skin/body but is sensitive to light, and should be stored in
light-resistant containers. It should be kept away from other incompatible substances such as
oxidizing agents.
• Potassium antimony tartrate is hazardous if it comes in contact with the skin/body. The waste
should not be discharged down the drain. Some of its incompatibles include strong acids, strong
bases and strong oxidizers. It should not be exposed to direct sunlight.
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7. Sample preparation
• Air-dried samples (or 45ºC forced air oven drying samples) are ground with a pestle and mortar
or pulverizing machine so that the soil aggregate is crushed but the soil particles do not break
down. Avoid contamination.
• After grinding, the soil is screened through a 2 mm sieve, making sure that the entire sample
passes through the sieve except for the coarse portion of more than 2 mm.
• The coarse portion retained on the sieve should be returned to the mortar for further grinding.
Sieving and grinding are repeated until all aggregate particles are fine enough to pass the sieve
and only pebbles, organic residues, and concretions remain.
• After the sample has passed through the sieve, it must be mixed thoroughly.
8. Procedure
8.1 Calibration of the apparatus
To calibrate the apparatus, follow the instruction manual using the Certified Reference Material (CRM)
recommended by the manufacturer.
8.2 Determination of the phosphorous (P) content
1. Weigh 10 g of sample (air-dried fine soil) or collect 10 cm3 of sample with a soil scoop and
place in a 125 mL Erlenmeyer flask.
2. Add 100 mL of Mehlich-I extraction solution (HCl 0.05 mol L-1 and H2SO4 0.0125 mol L-1).
3. Shake for 5 minutes in reciprocating or rotary shaker
4. Filter through a medium-porosity filter paper (Whatman No. 42 or equivalent).
5. In the extract, determine P by colorimetry or inductively coupled plasma emission
spectroscopy using a blank and standards prepared in Mehlich-1 extracting solution.
Molybdate-Blue Spectrophotometry
1. Transfer 5 mL sample extract into a 125 mL Erlenmeyer flask.
2. Add 10 mL of prepared, ammonium molybdate solution and, approximately, 30 mg of ascorbic

acid powder as a reducing agent. Shake for 2 minutes in a reciprocating or rotary shaker. Let
the colour develop for 1 hour.
3. Adjust and operate the spectrophotometer in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions.
Read absorbance at a wavelength of 880 nm. Adjust the absorbance of the calibration blank
with 0 mg L-1 P to read an absorbance of 0. Determine absorbance of calibration standards
and unknown extracts. When the coefficient of determination - (R2) correlation coefficient of
the calibration curve is equal to, or greater than, 0.995, proceed with the analysis of samples.
Otherwise, verify that the standards and reagents were correctly prepared, the instrument is
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with 0 mg L-1 P to read an absorbance of 0. Determine absorbance of calibration standards

and unknown extracts. When the coefficient of determination - (R2) correlation coefficient of
the calibration curve is equal to, or greater than, 0.995, proceed with the analysis of samples.
Otherwise, verify that the standards and reagents were correctly prepared, the instrument is
functioning properly, and that the instrument set-up is correctly. If corrective action must be
taken, details of the corrective action must be recorded.
𝑅𝑅𝑅𝑅𝑅𝑅
𝑅𝑅2 = 1 −
𝑇𝑇𝑇𝑇𝑇𝑇𝑇𝑇𝑇𝑇 𝑆𝑆𝑆𝑆
𝑤𝑤ℎ𝑒𝑒𝑒𝑒𝑒𝑒:
𝑅𝑅𝑅𝑅𝑅𝑅 − 𝑅𝑅𝑅𝑅𝑅𝑅𝑅𝑅𝑅𝑅𝑅𝑅𝑅𝑅𝑅𝑅 𝑆𝑆𝑆𝑆𝑆𝑆 𝑜𝑜𝑜𝑜 𝑆𝑆𝑆𝑆𝑆𝑆𝑆𝑆𝑆𝑆𝑆𝑆𝑆𝑆
𝑇𝑇𝑇𝑇𝑇𝑇𝑇𝑇𝑇𝑇 𝑆𝑆𝑆𝑆 − 𝑇𝑇𝑇𝑇𝑇𝑇𝑇𝑇𝑇𝑇 𝑆𝑆𝑆𝑆𝑆𝑆 𝑜𝑜𝑜𝑜 𝑆𝑆𝑆𝑆𝑆𝑆𝑆𝑆𝑆𝑆𝑆𝑆𝑆𝑆
Source: Faraway, 2014
Calculate P concentrations of unknown extracts from a calibration curve of absorbance versus

P concentrations of calibration standards.
4. If the sample has a high phosphorus concentration, the extract should be diluted (with the
extraction solution) before adding the ammonium molybdate diluted solution. Dilute until the
unknown extract reading is within the absorbance range of the standard curve.
5. Always wash the pipette between samples to avoid cross contamination.
6. If using automated spectrophotometric analysis such as flow-injection analysis or segmented

flow, follow instrument manufacturer’s instructions for P analysis.
ICP-OES
1. Calibrate the ICP-OES using single element standards or multiple element standards following
manufacturer’s recommendations for operation and calibration of the instrument.
2. Analyse the unknown solution extracts. The solution extract should be diluted (with extraction
solution) if the sample concentration exceeds the concentration of the highest standard.

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9. Calculation
V × 1L × 1000 g × DF × mcf
P (𝑚𝑚𝑚𝑚 𝑘𝑘𝑘𝑘−1 soil) = (a − b) ×
W × 1000 mL × 1kg
V × DF × mcf
= (a − b) ×
W
Where:
a = P sample extract concentration, mg L-1;

b = P blank concentration, mg L-1;
V = Extractant volume, mL;
W = Soil sample weight, g;
DF = dilution factor = total volume of diluted sample solution/aliquot of extract, mL mL-1;
mcf = moisture correction factor.
The following formulas convert nutrient concentrations from mg L-1 in the Mehlich-I extract to various
concentration units in soil on a volume (mg dm-3), weight (mg kg-1), or area basis (lbs acre-1):
a. Volume Basis: Mehlich (1953) developed the Mehlich-1 method using a scooped volume of
processed soil to report nutrient concentration on a volume basis as shown below. Volume basis,
mg dm-3 = mg L-1 × (0.020 L Mehlich-I ÷ 4 cm 3 soil) × (1000 cm3 ÷ 1 dm3) = mg L-1 × 5.
b. Weight Basis: The average density of processed coarse-textured soil is 1.25 g cm-3 which results in
4 cm3 of soil being equal to 5 g. For 5 g of soil, the following formula is used to determine mg kg-1.
Weight basis, mg kg-1 = mg L-1 × (0.020 L Mehlich-I ÷ 5 g soil) × (1000 g soil ÷ kg soil) = mg L-1 × 4.
c. Area Basis: Nutrient concentrations in units of lbs acre-1 can be calculated according to the following
formula with a 6 inch sampling depth and the assumption that soil weight in an acre at 6 inch depth
is 2 million pounds. Area basis, lbs acre-1 = mg L-1 × (2.2 lbs nutrient ÷ 10.6 mg nutrient) × (0.020 L
Mehlich-I ÷ 5 g) × (1000 g soil ÷ 2.2 lbs soil) × (2×106 lbs soil ÷ acre) = mg L-1 × 8.

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10. Quality assurance/quality control
10.1. Precision test
10.1.1. Control chart is plotted from the analytical value of control sample. There are two control
samples being used. Control samples measurements will be done before working
samples (Mehlich, A., 1953).
10.1.2. Internal reference sample, analyze a duplicate sample after every ten samples in a
batch.
10.1.3. Calculate the percent relative standard deviation (% RSD) to determine precision.
𝑠𝑠
%𝑅𝑅𝑅𝑅𝑅𝑅 = . 100
x̄
Where:
s = standard deviation of the replicate result
x̄ = mean
10.1.4. Compare the result with the previously specified precision.
Table1. Expected precision (repeatability) as a function of analyte concentration
Analyte, % Analyte ratio Unit RSD, %

100 1 100% 1.3
10 10-1 10% 1.9
1 10-2 1% 2.7
0.01 10-3 0.1% 3.7
0.001 10-4 100 ppm (mg kg-1) 5.3
0.00001 10-5 10 ppm (mg kg-1) 7.3
0.000001 10-6 1 ppm (mg kg-1) 11.0
0.0000001 10-7 100 ppb (μg kg-1) 15.0
0.00000001 10-8 10 ppb (μg kg-1) 21.0
0.000000001 10-9 1 ppb (μg kg-1) 30.0
Source: AOAC Peer Verified Methods Program. Manual on Policies and Procedures (1998). AOAC
International Gathersburg. MD.
The acceptance requirements for precision testing must be defined by the equipment used,
environmental conditions, and other testing factors and by the specifications or requirements for the
information use and agronomic criteria.
If the precision test fails, the cause of the failure must be identified, and corrective or preventive actions
must be developed (GLOSOLAN, 2019). Record the corrective actions.
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10.1.5. 10% CV (1 internal sample per batch of 11 samples).
10.2. Trueness test
10.2.1. Recovery test
It is recommended to analyse in triplicate, the Internal Reference Material (IRM) or a Certified Reference
Material of the analysed matrix (soil) (CRMs). In addition, is important to use IRM or CRM with differing
concentrations of P.
The Recovery percent will be the mean of observed values over the true value multiplied by 100. The
obtained value should be within the 95% confidence interval considering the used values of the CRMs.
If the values are below the 95% confidence interval, corrective actions must be taken, and all process
documented.
10.2.2. Interlaboratory comparison
It is recommendable to participate at least once a year in an interlaboratory comparison and take

corrective action if the results on it are not satisfactory. This process must be documented.
10.3. Control chart
Plot all data in a control chart to observe whether values are in the confidence interval, monitor results
to make and document corrective actions if necessary.
11. References
American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM). 1991. Standard Specification for Reagent
Water. Document D1193-91. Philadelphia, Pa: ASTM.
AOAC. 1998. AOAC Peer Verified Methods Program. Manual on Policies and Procedures. AOAC
International Gathersburg. MD.
Bernardi, A.C. de C., Silva, C.A., Perez, D.V. & Meneguelli, N. do A. 2002. Analytical quality program
of soil fertility laboratories that adopt Embrapa methods in Brazil. Communications in Soil Science and
Plant Analysis, 33 (15-18): 2661-2672.
Bortolon, L. & Gianello, C. 2010. Simultaneous multielement extraction with the Mehlich-1 solution for
Southern Brazilian soils determined by ICP-OES and the effects on the nutrients recommendations to
crops. Revista Brasileira de Ciência Do Solo, 34(1): 125–132.
Colpo, L., Boeira de Oliveira, C., Ernani, P., Almeida, J., & Miquelluti, D. 2010. Soil available
phosphorus by Mehlich-1, Mehlich-3 and anion exchange resin and its sensitivity to soil clay content.
Soil Science and Natural Resources, 139–142.
Cooperative, S., & Bulletin, S. n.d. Methods of Phosphorus Analysis for Soils, Sediments, Residuals,
and Waters. p.15.
Elrashidi, M. 2010. Selection of an appropriate phosphorus test for soils. USDA Natural Resources
Conservation Services, pp. 2–3.

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Faraway, J. J. 2014. Linear models with R. CRC press. pp. 12-23.
GLOSOLAN. 2019. Standard operating procedure for soil total carbon, Dumas dry combustion method.
Retrieved from: http://www.fao.org/3/ca7781en/ca7781en.pdf
ISO 3696:1987(R2018). 2018. Water for analytical laboratory use — Specification and test methods. p.
5
Mehlich, A. 195. Determination of P, Ca, Mg, K, Na, and NH4. North Carolina Soil Test Division. Mimeo
1953.
Mehlich, A. 1978. New extractant for soil test evaluation of phosphorus, potassium, 100 magnesium,
calcium, sodium, manganese and zinc. Commununication in Soil Science and Plant Analysis, 9:477-
492.
Mehlich, A. 1984. Mehlich 3 soil test extractant: A modification of Mehlich 2 extractant.

Commununication in Soil Science and Plant Analysis, 15: 1409-1416.
Miller, R. & Oldham, J. L. 2014. Chapter 4.1 Introduction to Soil Extractable Plant Nutrients. Soil Test
Methods From the Southeastern United States, 419: 91.
Motsara, M.R. & Roy, R.N. 2008. Guide to laboratory establishment for plant nutrient analysis. Food
and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, Rome.
Mylavarapu, R. & Miller, R. 2014. Chapter 4.2 Mehlich-1. In Soil Test Methods from the Southeastern
United States, p. 95.
Pierzynski, G. M. 2000. Methods of phosphorus analysis for soils, sediments, residuals, and waters, p.
15.
Sikora, F.J. & Moore, K.P. 2014. Soil test methods from the Southeastern United States. Southern
Cooperative Series Bulletin, p.97.
Sikora, L.J. & Moore-Kucera, J. 2014. Soil Test Methods from the Southeastern United States. In
Southern Cooperative Series Bulletin, 419: 93.
Sikora, F.J. & Moore, K.P. 2014. Soil test methods from the Southeastern United States. Southern
Cooperative Series Bulletin, p. 95-100.

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12. Appendix I - Acknowledgements

GLOSOLAN would like to thank Ms. Rosalina González Forero for leading the harmonization of this
SOP and the following experts who served as leaders for their regions and contributed to the writing of
this SOP: Mr. Adams Sadick from Ghana, Ms. Daniela Serna, Mr. Esteban Melo, Ms. Nathaly Castillo,
Ms. Valentina Barragán, Mr. Wilson Smith Ortega and Mr. Yeferson Mendez from Colombia.
GLOSOLAN would also like to thank the experts who were part of the Review Panel and who ensured
the finalization of the SOP, all the laboratories that provided inputs for the harmonization of this method,
all the experts who technically reviewed this SOP, and Mr. Christopher Lee from the USDA-NRCS
Kellogg Soil Survey Laboratory, United States of America for the technical proofreading of the document.
13. Appendix II - List of authors

Leading author:
• Ms. Rosalina González Forero, Laboratorio de Suelos Unisalle, Colombia
Main authors (in alphabetical order):
• Mr. Adams Sadick, Soil Research Institute Analytical Services Laboratory, Ghana
• Ms. Daniela Serna, Laboratorio de Suelos Unisalle, Colombia
• Mr. Esteban Melo, Laboratorio de Suelos Unisalle, Colombia
• Ms. Nathaly Castillo, Laboratorio de Suelos Unisalle, Colombia
• Ms. Valentina Barragán, Laboratorio de Suelos Unisalle, Colombia
• Mr. Wilson Smith Ortega, Laboratorio de Suelos Unisalle, Colombia
• Mr. Yeferson Méndez, Laboratorio de Suelos Unisalle, Colombia
Members of the Review Panel (in alphabetical order):
• Ms. Rosalina González Forero, Laboratorio de Suelos Unisalle, Colombia

• Mr. Vladimir Ilinkin, Central Laboratory of the Institute of Soil Science, Agrotechnologies and
Plant Protection “Nikola Poushkarov”, Bulgaria
• Mr. Wobbe Schuurmans, Chemisch Biologisch Laboratorium Bodem (Wageningen University),
Netherlands
• Mr. Daniel Vidal Perez, Laboratorio de Analise de Agua, Solo e Planta, Embrapa Solos CEP,
Brazil

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14. Appendix III - Contributing laboratories

GLOSOLAN thanks the following laboratories for completing the GLOSOLAN form on the method and
providing information on their standard operating procedure for soil available phosphorous, Mehlich I
method. This information was used as a baseline for the global harmonization.
From the Asian region:
• Office of science for land development, Land Development Department, Thailand
From the Pacific region:
• None
From the Near East and North African region:
• None
From the African region:
• Institut de recherches agronomique et forestière (IRAF), Gabon

• Kenya Agricultural & Livestock Research Organization (KALRO), Kenya
From the European region:
• None
From the Eurasian region:
• None
From the Latin American region:
• Brazilian Agricultural Research Corporation (EMBRAPA), Brazil

• Centro Nacional de Tecnología Agropecuaria y Forestal (CENTA), El Salvador
• Instituto de Investigación Agropecuaria de Panamá (IDIAP), Panama
• Instituto Venezolano de Investigaciones Científicas, Venezuela
From the North American region:
• None

Forero, Colombia
The Global Soil Partnership (GSP) is a globally
recognized mechanism established in 2012.
Our mission is to position soils in the Global
Agenda through collective action. Our key
objectives are to promote Sustainable Soil
Management (SSM) and improve soil govern-
ance to guarantee healthy and productive
soils, and support the provision of essential
ecosystem services towards food security and
improved nutrition, climate change adapta-
tion and mitigation, and sustainable develop-
ment.
GLOSOLAN
GLOBAL SOIL LABORATORY NETWORK
GLOSOLAN is a Global Soil Laboratory

Network which aims to harmonize soil
analysis methods and data so that soil informa-
tion is comparable and interpretable across
laboratories, countries and regions.
Established in 2017, it facilitates networking
and capacity development through coopera-
tion and information sharing between soil
laboratories with different levels of
experience. Joining GLOSOLAN is a unique
opportunity to invest in quality soil laboratory
data for a sustainable and food secure world.
Thanks to the financial support of

CB5427EN/1/07.21

Standard Operation Procediment - Available Phosphorus Mehlich I

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Standard Operation Procediment - Available Phosphorus Mehlich I

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Standard operating procedure

for soil available phosphorus

Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations

SOIL AVAILABLE PHOSPHORUS Version number : 1 Page 1 of 13

SOIL AVAILABLE PHOSPHORUS

N° Date Description of the modification Type of modification

Modify by Revision Approval date Validated date

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1. Brief introduction to phosphorus

2. Scope and field of application

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4.7. 20 L and 1 L borosilicate glass volumetric flasks

5.6 Preparation of standards for ICP-OES determination

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6. Health and safety

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8.2 Determination of the phosphorous (P) content

1. Transfer 5 mL sample extract into a 125 mL Erlenmeyer flask.

2. Add 10 mL of prepared, ammonium molybdate solution and, approximately, 30 mg of ascorbic

SOIL AVAILABLE PHOSPHORUS Version number : 1 Page 7 of 13

with 0 mg L-1 P to read an absorbance of 0. Determine absorbance of calibration standards

Source: Faraway, 2014

Calculate P concentrations of unknown extracts from a calibration curve of absorbance versus

5. Always wash the pipette between samples to avoid cross contamination.

6. If using automated spectrophotometric analysis such as flow-injection analysis or segmented

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SOIL AVAILABLE PHOSPHORUS Version number : 1 Page 8 of 13

a = P sample extract concentration, mg L-1;

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10. Quality assurance/quality control

10.1. Precision test

s = standard deviation of the replicate result

10.1.4. Compare the result with the previously specified precision.

Table1. Expected precision (repeatability) as a function of analyte concentration

Analyte, % Analyte ratio Unit RSD, %

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10.1.5. 10% CV (1 internal sample per batch of 11 samples).

10.2. Trueness test

10.2.1. Recovery test

10.2.2. Interlaboratory comparison

It is recommendable to participate at least once a year in an interlaboratory comparison and take

10.3. Control chart

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Faraway, J. J. 2014. Linear models with R. CRC press. pp. 12-23.

Mehlich, A. 1984. Mehlich 3 soil test extractant: A modification of Mehlich 2 extractant.

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12. Appendix I - Acknowledgements

13. Appendix II - List of authors

• Ms. Rosalina González Forero, Laboratorio de Suelos Unisalle, Colombia

Main authors (in alphabetical order):

Members of the Review Panel (in alphabetical order):

• Ms. Rosalina González Forero, Laboratorio de Suelos Unisalle, Colombia

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14. Appendix III - Contributing laboratories

From the Asian region:

• Office of science for land development, Land Development Department, Thailand