Modified Adams-Evans Buffer Solution 2007

ð8000ð8-buffer pHÞÞ
CaCO3 ðMg=haÞ ¼
ðHsat1 Þ
$ ðHsat1 % Hsat2 Þ $ ð1:5Þ $ 2:24; ð2Þ

where Hsat1 and Hsat2 are base unsaturation of soil at measured and desired
pH, respectively.
The solution of Eq. (1) was incorporated into Eq. (2) to determine the
amount of lime required to raise pH of a given soil to a targeted pH at base
unsaturation Hsat2. The relationship between pH and base unsaturation may
not be the same for all soils, and that creates inherent uncertainty in the
method as cautioned by Adams and Evans (1962). It is possible to develop
a different Eq. (1) above for different soils, which may result in different
base unsaturation calculations and lime recommendations. But the accuracy
of a given method needs to be evaluated by considering both the statistical
goodness and field calibration.
The Adams-Evans (1962), Woodruff (1948), Schofield (1933), and
Shoemaker et al. (1961) buffer solutions contain p-nitrophenol in addition
to other chemicals. Para-nitrophenol provides a good buffering capacity
between pH 7.0 and 8.0 with the other chemicals because its dissociation
constant (pKa) is around 7.15. But p-nitrophenol has also been shown to be
toxic to the environment and has been shown to cause abnormal cell growth
in fish at 1 mg/L (Braunbeck et al. 1989). Human exposure by inhalation or
ingestion of p-nitrophenol may cause headache, drowsiness, nausea, and
blue color in lips, ears, and fingernails (Solutia Inc. 2004). Laboratory prep-
aration of p-nitrophenol demands special precautions. Thus, many labs have
resorted to buying a prepared solution that has increased their expenses.
Routine soil testing labs process thousands of lime requirement analyses
annually and generate high volumes of p-nitrophenol waste solution. Because
draining p-nitrophenol down the sink may contaminate water resources
including groundwater, many labs regulate its disposal either by photodecom-
position or store it securely for off-site treatment. Developing a buffer solution
that serves the special purpose of making lime requirement determination for
low CEC and coarse textured soil is time-consuming and requires field
calibration. But replacing p-nitrophenol with nontoxic and readily available
chemical will ensure the continuous use of the Adams-Evans buffer solution
without a need for extensive field calibration since the use of buffers is
convenient and invaluable.

PROCEDURES

Four hundred seven soil samples from different counties of Alabama were
randomly selected from samples sent to the Auburn University Soil Testing
lab for routine analysis. The buffer pH was measured by the original