Control of soil solution interferences in an automated nitrate method

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Abstract
An AutoAnalyzer method for nitrate nitrogen based on hydrazine reduction followed by diazotization was re‐examined after certain soil solutions had given poor recoveries. Modifications to the reaction parameters, particularly in the reduction stage improved the recovery of nitrate as nitrite. Soluble organic compounds in the samples were more critical than inorganic salts, but the proposed method allowed tolerance of up to 30 mgl‐1 total organic carbon. Concentrations of various inorganic ions in soil solutions and natural waters were usually below the limits shown to be critical for the improved method.