LaMotte STH Series - Manual (Page 18)

Chlorides
Chlorides are present in practically all soils. Application of
fertilizer may increase chloride levels. Chlorides are removed from
the soil by leaching. Excessive concentrations are toxic to plants.
A high test reading, particularly where stunted growth has been
observed, may indicate poisoning due to high chloride levels in
the soil.
Procedure:
1. Use the Demineralizer Bottle (1155) to fill a 5 mL soil tube
(0249) to the 5 mL line with demineralized water.
2. Use the plastic soil measure (0819) to add one level measure
of the soil sample to the tube. Cap and shake vigorously for
2-3 minutes.
3. Use a piece of filter paper (0465) and a plastic funnel (0459)
to filter the mixture into a second 5 mL soil tube (0249).
(Fold filter paper in half and then in half again to form a cone
which is fitted into the funnel.)
4. Use a transfer pipet (0364) to transfer five drops of the filtrate
in the second tube to a flat-bottomed turbidity vial (0242).
5. Add one drop of *Chloride Test Solution (5111) to the vial.
Swirl gently to mix.
6. Match the turbidity or amount of precipitation against the
turbidity standards on the Chloride Chart (1304). Lay the
chart flat under natural light and hold the turbidity vial
one-half inch above the black strip in the middle of the chart.
View the black strip down through the turbid sample and
compare the resulting shade of gray with the six standard
shades. The test result is read in parts per million chloride.
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