Determination of ammonium n and nitrate n in acid permanganate solution used to absorb ammonia,nitric oxide,and nitrogen dioxide evolved from soils

Abstract

Simple steam distillation methods are described for determination of ammonium N and nitrate N in acid KMnO₄ solution used to absorb NH₃, NO and NO₂ evolved from soils. They involve use of MgO for distillation of ammonia and of FeSO₄, Ag₂SO₄, and MgO for reduction of nitrate to ammonia. The methods are rapid and precise, and they permit nitrogen‐15 analysis of NH₃‐N and (NO + NO₂)‐N evolved from soils.