Further study of the Raney catalyst powder method for the determination of nitrogen in fertilizers established conditions in which the commercial alloy containing 50% Ni and 50% Al was a more efficient reductant for nitrates than an experimental alloy that contained 10% Co. Errors in measurement were decreased, accuracy was increased, and time was saved by adding all the sulfuric acid and part of the potassium sulfate as a single dilute solution and heating the mixture immediately to promote the reduction. Changes in the amounts of reagents, including use of the contents of a Kcl-Pak without the polyethylene envelope, resulted in smoother and more effective Kjeldahl digestions. The method is “rugged” and is equally applicable to the refractory compound nicotinic acid, mixtures of nitrates and organic materials, and the simplest inorganic fertilizers. The time required for an analysis can be further shortened by using “Autopettes” for dispensing the standard acid and a “Titralyzer” for back titrations.
The Netherlands alkaline ammonium citrate extraction method for the determination of available P2O5 was modified for routine use. The water-insoluble portion of the sample is extracted with the alkaline citrate solution for 2 hours in a shaking apparatus at 65°C. Dicalcium phosphate dissolves, but apatite, whether formed in processing (as in the ammoniation of superphosphate) or present as unreacted phosphate rock, does not dissolve. The results of the extraction method correlate well with those of field tests of the fertilizers.
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