ANR Analytical Lab - 550 - Plant Analysis

550

550 EXTRACTABLE POTASSIUM IN BOTANICAL MATERIALS

K
Total K, extraction by 2% acetic acid extraction. Quantitative determination by atomic emission spectrometry (AES).

Summary: This method quantitatively extracts soluble potassium (K) present in botanical materials by extraction with a solution of 2% acetic acid. Potassium is quantitatively determined in the extract using atomic emission spectrometry (AES). Concentration of potassium is used to assess plant overall nutrient status and is correlated to plant response to potassium fertilization. The method has a routine detection limit of 0.01% (dry basis).

Intra-laboratory studies have demonstrated that K values derived from 2 % acetic acid extracts are comparable to those derived from microwave digestion of plant material.

Sample amount requested: 3 g

Questions concerning limited sample size can be answered by the DANR Analytical Laboratory.

Jones, Jr. J. Benton. 2001. Laboratory Guide for Conducting Soil tests and Plant Analysis. Extraction of Cl, NO₃, PO₄, K, and SO₄ from Plant Tissue. pp. 228-229.

Method 303A (Antimony, Bismuth, Cadmium, Calcium, Cesium, Chromium, Cobalt, Copper, Gold, Iridium, Iron, Lead, Lithium, Magnesium, Manganese, Nickel, Palladium, Platinum, Potassium, Rhodium, Ruthenium, Silver, Sodium, Strontium, Thallium, Tin and Zinc by Direct Aspiration into an Air-Acetylene Flame) in Standard Methods for the Examination of Water and Wastewater, 16th Edition. Greenberg, A. E.; Trussell, R. R.; Clesceri, L. S.; eds. American Public Health Association; Washington DC; 1985. pp. 157-160.