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LAB LLP2016)
- Chhat
Sambhajinagar(civibit23@gmail.com) 49.36.43.240 [for non-commercial use only].
IS : 2720 (Part XXIV) - 1976
(Reaffirmed 2010)
(Reaffirmed 2015)
(Reaffirmed 2020)
Indian Standard
METHODS OF TEST FOR SOILS (Reaffirmed 2014)

PART XXIV DETERMINATION OF CATION

EXCHANGE CAPACITY (Reaffirmed 2013)

(First Revision)
Fourth Reprint AUGUST 2007 (Reaffirmed 2012)
(Including Amendment No. I)

(Reaffirmed 2011)
UDC 624 . 131.414.3

(Reaffirmed 2010)

(Reaffirmed 2009)

(Reaffirmed 2008)

(Reaffirmed 2007)

(Reaffirmed 2006)

© Copyright 1976 (Reaffirmed 2005)

BUREAU OF INDIAN STANDARDS

MANAK BHA VAN, 9 BAHADUR SHAH ZAF AR MARG
NEW DELHI I 10002

Gr 3 July 1976
Standard provided by BIS via BSB Edge Private Limited to CIVIBIT LAB LLP - Chhat
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IS : 2720 (Part XXIV) • 1976

Indian Standard
METHODS OF TEST FOR SOILS
PART XXIV DETERMINAT'ON OF CATION
EXCHANGE CAPACITY

(First Revision)
Soil Engineering Sectional Committee, BDC 23
Chairtl'An llqIrumtittt
P R OF DINESH l\fOlfA.... Central Building Research Institute (CSIR).
Roorkee
l\ltmben
PR OF A l. AI\I SINGH University of Jodhpur. Jodhpur
V I - C OL AVTAR SINOH Engineer-in-Chief'. Jkanch, Army H~quanen
MAJ R. R. SUDHINDRA (Altemate)
DF. A. BANERJEE Cementation Co Ltd, Bombay
SURlS. GUPTA (Altmtate)
SHill K. N. DAVINA In penonal capacity (P-820 Nno MiI-.
Cdiadla 700053)
SH JU A . G . DAloTtDAR In penonal capacity [lnln-SIaII EtpnJlmmI (P) W.
3/ J Lovdon Stnrl, C<dcuatJ 7000 J7]
SHI<I R. 1.. DEWAN Irrigation Research Institute, Khagaul, Patna
DR G . S. DHILLON Indian Geotechnical Society, New Delhi
DIRECTOR (CSMRS) Central Water CotnuU.ion, New Delhi
DEPUTY DIRECI"Oll (CSMRS) (A//mItIU)
Dnu:CTOR Indian Institute of Technology. New Delhi
DR SHASffi K . GUUlATI (Allmtau)
Dnu:c.70R Irrigation & Power Re3an:h Institute, Amritsar
RESEARCH OFFICER
(GEOT"CtfNICAL SECnON) (Altanate)
SHRI A. H. DIVANJI Rodio Foundation Engineering Ltd; fIIId Hazarat
& Co, Bombay
A. N. JANGLE (A/tanate)
8MRI
SHlU V. G. HF;ODE National Build ings Organisation, New Delhi
SHR I S. H . BALCIiANDANl (A /tu nate) •
JOI ~T D IRECTOR R ESEARc.H (f'E), Railway Board (Ministry of Railways)
R DS()
DEPUTY DIRECTOR REsEARCH,
Sou, MECHJ\NIC8, RDSO (.4./temate)
SHRI O. P. MALHOTllA Public Works Department, Govf!l'DlDCIlt of Punjab,
Patiala
(~tIIIJKIIe2)

C Copyright 1976
BUREAU OF INDIAN STANDARDS
This publication is protected under the JIIdian CopyriKftl Act (XIV of 1951) and
reproduction in whole or in part by any means except with written J]Onnisaion of the
publisher shall be dClCllllOd to be an infril1FffiCllt of copyright under the said Act.
Standard provided by BIS via BSB Edge Private Limited to CIVIBIT LAB LLP - Chhat
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IS : 2720 (Part XXIV) .1976 49.36.43.240 [for non-commercial use only].
(Conlinuedjrnm pagt I)
Members Rt/Nemlting
SHIUJ. S. MARVA Roads Wing (Ministry of Shipping & Transport)
SHRI N. SEN (Alltmtltt)
SHIU G. D. MATIiUR Public Works Department, Government of Uttar
Pradesh, Luclmow
SHlU D. C. CHATURVEDI (AltmuJII)
SHllJ M. A. MEHTA Concrete Association of India, Bombay
SHRI T. M. MENON (AltmuJII) .
SHllJ T.. K. NATARAJAN Central Road Research Institute (CSIR), New
Delhi
REPRESENTATIVE Hindustan Construction Co Ltd, Bombay
lUmARCH OFFICER .../ Buildings & Roads Research Laboratory, Pu~lic
Works Department, ' Government of Punjab,
Chandigarh
SHIU K. R . SAXENA Engineering Research Laboratory, Hyderabad .
SECRETARY Central Board of Irrigation & Power, New Deihl
DEPUTY SECRETARY (A/lemiJtt)
DJt SILUISHER PRAitAsH University of Roorkee, Roorltee
SHIUH. D. SHARMA Irrigation Research Institute, Roorkee .
SUPERINTENDING ENG I NEE R Concrete & Soil Research Laboratory, Public
(PLANNING & DESIGN CIRCLE) Works Department, Government of Tamil
Nadu, Madras
EXECUTIVE ENGINEER (INCHARGE,
SoIL MECHANICS & RESEARCH
DIVISION) (AltmuJlt)
SHllJ C. G. SWAMINATHAN Institution of Engineers (India), Calcutta
SHIU H. C. VERMA All India Instrument Manufacturers & Dealers'
Association, Bombay
SHIU V. K . VASUDEVAN (Allnnolt)
SHIU D. AJITHA SDlHA, Director General lSI (Ex-eJlido Mnnhtr)
D irector (Civ Engs) ,
S«rttary
SHIU G. RAMAN
Deputy Director (Civ Engg), lSI

Soil Testing Procedures and Equipment Subcommittee, BDC 23 : 3

ClJIWt1lt1'
PROF A1.AM SINGH University ofJodhpur, Jodhpur
Memhtrs
SHIU AMAIl SINGH Central Building Research Institute (CSIR),
Roorkee
LT-CoL AVTAIl SINOH Engineer-in-Chief's Branch; Army Headquarters
MAJ R. R. SUOHlNDRA (AltmuJlt)
Smu N. K. BERRY Bcas Dams Project TaIwara Township
SHIU K. S. PuM (Allmtdtt) .'
Da R. K. Bn.umAIU Central Road Research Institute (CSIR), New
Delhi
S-.T. N. BHARGAWA Roads Wing (Ministry of Shipping & Transport)
SHIU A. S. BllIBNol (A/fmutlt)
Da A. K. Cw.TTERJU .Public Works Department, Government of Uttar
Pradesh, Luclmow
DR B. L. DHAWAN (A/ttmaII)
(Confinwd on pagt 11)

2
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AMENDMENT NO.1 NOVEMBER 1987
TO
IS : 2720 ( Part 24 ) • 1976 METHODS OF
TEST FOR SOILS
PART 24 DETERMINATION OF CATION
EXCHANGE CAPACITY

( Fir.t Re"i.ion )
(Page 5, claus» 3.1.2.3) - Substitute 'IS: 878-1975* ' for' IS .
878-1956* ' .
( Page 5, clause 3.1.2.7 ) - Substitute 'IS : 365.1983t' for 'IS:
36S-196St '.
(Page 5, clause 3.1.2.9) - Substitute' IS: 1997-1982: ' for' IS :
1997-1967t '. .
. ( Page S,foot-notes with ' * ', 't' and': I marks) - Substitute the
following for the existing foot-notes:
'·Specification for graduated measuring cyJin:ler. (first rtuisioll ).
tSpecification for electric hot plates (suond "uisi_n ).
tSpecification for burettes ( s,cD1ld r,vision ).'
( Page 6, clause 3.2.2.1 ) - Substitute' IS : II J 7·1975* ' for' IS :
1117 -I 958* '.
( Page 6, clause 3.2.2.7) - Substitute' IS: 1997-198211 ' for IS:
1997-1967/1 ' .
( Page 6, foot-notes with' * ' and' /I ' marks) - Substitute the follow-
ing for the existing foot-notes:
· · Specifica tio n for one-mark pipettes (first rtvisioll ).
IlSp ecificat ion for burettes ( second rtvisillll ).'

(Page 9, clause 5.3.6) - Substitute 'IS : 1997-1982t ' for C IS:

1997-1967: ' .
( Page 9,joot-note with' : ' mark) - Substitute the following for the
existing foot-note :
'tSpeci/icatioD for burettes ( sIClI1ld rt Vi~jo 1 ) .'

(BDO 23)
Standard provided by BIS via BSB Edge Private Limited to CIVIBIT LAB LLP - Chhatr
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IS 1 2720 (Part XXIV) - 1976 .
Indian Standard
METHODS OF TEST FOR SOILS
PART XXIV DETERMINATION OF CATION
EXCHANGE CAPACITY

.(First Revision)
o. FOREWORD
0.1 This Indian Standard (Part XXIV) (First Revision) was adopted by
the Indian Standards Institution on 16 February 1976, after the draft
finalized by the Soil Engineering Sectional COmmittee had been approved
by the Civil Engineering Division Council. .
0.2 With a view to establishing unifonn procedures for the determination of
different characteristics of soils and also for facilitating a comparative study
of the results, the Indian Standards Institution has brought out the 'Indian
Standard methods of test for soils (IS: 2720)' which is being published
.in .parts. SO far 38 parts have been published. This part (Part XXIV)
which was originally published in 1967 covers the method for the determina-
tion of cation ~ capacity of soil. Cation exchange capacity gives
an indication of the affinity of soil for water and its capacity for swelling. .
0.2.1 In this revision, a method to determine the exchangeable metallic
cations and a method to determine the exchangeable hydrogen ions sepa-
rately have been given. The sum of the exchangeable ions determined
by these methods gives the total exchangeable ions in .the soil; however,
because of fixation of potassium and ammonium by illite and vermiculite
type of minerals, the cation exchange capacity values as determined by
these ions are generally 'lower than the true values. A single method which
determines the cation exchange capacity (metallic and hydrogen ions
together) has also been included. In keeping with the latest trend the
term 'base exchange capacity' has been replaced by the term 'cation
exchange capacity'.
.
0.3 In the fonnulation of this standard due weightage has been given to
international co-ordination among the standards and practices prevailing
in different countries in addition to relating it to the practices in the field
in this country..
0.4 In reporting the result of a test or analysis made in accordance with
this standard, if the final value, observed or calculated, is to be rounded
off, it shall be done in accordance with IS: 2-1960*.
*Rules for rounding off numerical values (rtViud).

3
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IS : 2720 (Part XXIV) • 1976 49.36.43.240 [for non-commercial use only].
1. SCOPE
1.1 This standard (Part XXIV) lays down the methods for the determina-
tion of exchangeable metallic cation and exchangeable hydrogen ion , sum
of which will be the cation exchange capacity of soils.
1.1.1 It also lays down a single method which determines the cation
exchange capacity (metallic and hydrogen ions together).

2. TERMINOLOGY
2.0 For the purpose of this standard, the following definition shall apply.
2.1 Cation Exchange Capacity - Cation exchange is the physio-chemical
process whereby one type. of ions (cation) adsorbed on soil particles is re-
placed by another type. 'The cation exchange capacity signifies the capacity
of soil to retain cations up to its highest limit; or it can also be defined as
the power of the soil to combine with cation in such a manner that they
cannot be easily removed by leaching with water, but can be exchanged
by an equivalent amount of other cations. .

· 3. DETERMINATION OF EXCHANGEABLE METALUC CATIONS

3.1 Standard Method
3.1.1 Reagents
3.1.1.1 Ammonium acetate solution - I N. . Prepared by adding 576 ml
of glacial acetic acid (relative density 1'052) diluted to 5 litres, to 540 rnl
(of relative density 0'88) or 750 ml (of relative density 0'91) of ammonium
hydroxide solution diluted to 5 litres .
.The above two solutions should be mixed in equal volumes. The pH of the
mixed solution should be determined in a comparator using bromothymol
blue as indicator. If pH is close to 7'0, a little more of acetic acid
solution or ammonium hydroxide solution should be added to have the pH
exactly 7'0.
3.1.1.2 Hydrochloric acid- 0 ·05 N. Dilute 50 ml of N hydrochloric
acid solution to one litre in 'a volumetric flask.
3.1.1.3 Sodium hy4roxidt - 0'05 N.
NOTE - The solution should be standardized afresh while using.
3.1.1.4 Methyl red induator
3.1.2 Apparatus
3.1.2.1 Buchner funnel-Designation 110 (see IS: 5009-1968*).
3.1.2.2 Pipettes - 25 and 50 ml (see IS: 4l62-1967t and IS: 1117-
1958:). .
-Specification for Buchner funnels.
!Spec~ficat~on for graduated pipettes.
+Speclficahon for one-mark pipettes. .

4
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IS : 2720 (Part XXIV) - 1916
3.1.2.3 .Cylinders graduated - 100 and 250 ml capacity (see IS: 878-
1956*).
. 3.1.2.4 Filter paper - Wllatman No. 44 or equivalent, 15 or 18·5 em
diameter. .
3.1.2.5 Silica basins - 500 and 100 ml capacity.
3.1.2.6 Water-bath
3.1.2.7 Hot-plate - (See IS: 365-1965t).
3.1.2.8 Mulflefurnace
3.1.2.9 Burette- 50 ml with stand (see IS : 1997-1967~ ) .
3.1.2.10 Chemical balance - of 0·1 or 0'2 mg sensitivity.
3.1 ~2.11 Beaker ~.400ml capacity (see IS ; 2619-1971§).
3.1.2.12 Flask - I litre capacity.
3.1.3 Procedure
3.1.3.1 Transfer 50 to 100 g (see Note I) of soil to 400-ml beaker, add
250 ml of 1 N ammonium acetate solution, stir well and allow to stand
overnight at room temperature. Then decant through a 15- or 18'5-em
filter paper and leach with further portions of the ammonium acetate solution
in small quantities, allowing the filter to drain completely between each
addition, in a I-litre flask. Continue leaching until one litre of the filtrate
has been collected (see Note 2). . .
NOTE 1:'- Take 50 g of soil when more than 20 to 25 milli-equivalent percent of
exchangeable cation are presen t and 100 g when less than 10 milli-equivalent percent are
present, as determined by the rapid method with 0·05 N hydrochloric acid .
NOTE 2 -'- Where possible the extraction may be done by centrifuge.
3.1.3.2 Transfer a suitable aliquot of the leachate corresponding to
109 of soil, to 500-ml silica basin and evaporate to small volume on the
water-bath. Transfer the solution at this stage to a 100-ml silica basin and
continue the evaporation to dryness , finishing the operation over a hot-plate.
Ignite in a muffle furnace, gently at first and then for 20 minutes at a medium
to full red heat, so converting the acetates of the exchangeable metal ions to
carbonates or oxides. Support the silica basin on a triangle to prevent the
bottom being overheated. _
3.1.3.3 When cold, add 20 to 50 ml of 0·05 N hydrochloric acid, or
sufficient quantity to ensure an excess of acid at this stage; warm gently and
leave to stand until solution of the alkalis is complete. Then titrate the
excess of acid with 0·05 N sodium hydroxide rising methyl red as indicator.
If the methyl red is absorbed as the titration proceeds add further a drop or
two jUst before the end-point.
·Specification for graduated measuring cylinden.
tSpecification for electric hot-plates (rruisetJ).
:Specification for burettes (first rntision).
§Specification for glass beakers (first mMot1).

5
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IS : 2720 (Part XXIV) - 1~76
3.1.4 Calculations - Calculate the amount of-total exchangeable metallic
ions originall y present in the soil, in milli-equivalents percent from the follow-
ing expression: .
. 1000 100

where
meq = (Va - Vb) X N X ----v- X W
. .
meq = total exchangeable metallic ions, in miUi-equivalents percent;
Va volume of standard hydrochloric acid taken; ' .
Vb = volume of standard sodium hydroxide used in back titration;
N = normality factor;
V. = volume of extract taken; and
W = weight of soil extracted.
3.2 .Rap id Method --:- (See Note) .
NOTE - The rapid method is not suitable for highly calcareous soils (calcium carbonate
in excess of 15 percent).
3.2.1 . RelJgmts
· 3.2.1.1 Hydrochloric acid solution - 0·05 N.
3.2.1.2 Lime water - freshly prepared and of known normality.
3.2.1.3 Bromothymal blue indicator
3.2.2 Apparatus
3.2.2.1 Pipettes - 100 and 25 ml (see IS : 1117-1958- and IS: 4162-
1967t)·
- 3.2.2.2 Test tube- 175 X 32 mm with stopper (see IS: 2618-1963+).
3.2.2.3 Filter paper - Whatman No. 30 or equivalent. :
3.2.2.4 Erlenmeyer flask - 125 ml capacity.
3.2.2.5 Beaker - 250 m1 capacity (set IS: 2619-1971§).
3.2.2.6 Chemical balance '
3.2.2.7 Burette - 100 ml with stand (set IS : 1997-196711).
3.2.2.8 Glass rod - (See IS: 7374-197~). .
3.2.3 Procedurl
3.2.3.1 Pipette 100 ml of 0·05 N hydrochloric acid into a test-tube
(175 X 32 mm), add a weighed amount of soil (1 to 5 g), stopper, stir
well and allow to stand overnight. The amount of soil taken ·should be
sufficient to neutralize not more than about 20 percent of the standard acid. ·
In general, the larger amount may be taken for sandy loams or soils slightly
-Specification for one-mark pipettes.
tSpeciJication for graduated pipettes.
tSpecification for test-tubes.
§Specification for glass bc:akcn (first mJisimt).
I Specification for burettes (first m1isiDn) .
~Specification for glass rods and tubing far laboratory glassware.

6
Standard provided by BIS via BSB Edge Private Limited to CIVIBIT LAB LLP - Chhatr
Sambhajinagar(civibit23@gmail.com) 49.36.43.240 IS 2720 (part XXIV)
[for: non-commercial • 1976
use only].
podolized. For heavy clays and base saturated soils, only I to 2 g should be
used. The values obtained by this method ·are equilibrium values and
therefore depend on the proportion of soil to acid.
3.2.3.2 Filter through a dry l l-cm Whatman No. 30 or equivalent
filter paper, collecting the filtrate in a dry 125-mJ Erlenmeyer flask, rejecting
the first portion. . Titrate a 25-ml aliquot against standard lime water using
bromothymol blue as indicator. As the end-point is approached add 2 or
3 more drops of indicator to Overcome absorption by any sesquioxide
precipitate. Titrate a blank similarly.
3.2.4 Calculation
3.2.4.1 Then the approximate value for total exchangeable metallic
ions in milli-equivalents percent is given by the expression:
100 100
meq = (B - T) X N x - X -
. 25 .W
where
meq - total exchangeable metallic ions, .
B = blank titration in mI of lime water of known normality,
T = actual titration in ml of lime water of known normality,
N = normality of the lime water, and .
W = mass of soil taken.
If any calcium carbonate is present (say up to IS percent), express its
amount in milligram equivalents percent, and deduct it from the value
calculated for total exchangeable metallic ions.
4. DETERMINATION OF EXCHANGEABLE HYDROGEN IONS
of.l .Reagents
. 4.1.1 Barium ACltate SotutiMl- I N of pH 8,1, adjusted with barium
hydroxide.
4.1.2 Phenolphthalein Indicator - I percent.
4.1.3 Sodium Hydroxidl - 0·05 N:
4.2 Apparatus
4.2.1 Carbon Filter FuntIIl - ($ee Note under 4.3.1) .
4.2.2 Conical Flask - 500 ml capacity.
4.2.3 Beaker - 600 ml capacity (SII IS.: '2619-1971- ).
4.3 Procedare
4.3.1 Transfer 25 g of soil to the funnel with care to prevent soil fi:om
sticking to the sides of the carbon filter funnels (su Note). Level off the soil
and place silica sand on the top to a depth of about 5 rom. Pour 350 mI of
the barium acetate solution to the soil. Leaching rate from the funnel
should not exceed 10 to .20 drops per minute.
-Specification for glass beakers (first PIIIlisiM).

7
Standard
• •provided by BIS
2720 (Part via -1975
XXIV) BSB Edge Private Limited to CIVIBIT LAB LLP - Chhat
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When aU the extraction sOlution is passed through, measure the volume in
• graduated cylinder and transfer it to a 600-ml beaker. Add approximately
10 drops of I percent phenolphthalein solution and back titrate the extrac-
tion solution with 0·05 N sodium hydroxide ·solution to. a faint pink colour.
Make a blank titration on 100 mIof barium acetate solution extracted
~ugh the carbon filter funnel but without the soil sample. .
Nom - Jt ia & IIpCCial type carboO fimnc:l having arrangement for flow rate regulati~·
.
bf "'wool
ICI'eW clamp.. tiDe and acid Wuhcd Iilica sand (coarse). This fUnnel . IS
wdted with & little ofbaNm acetaie II01ution and the giaas wool compressed. A ,man
quantity of pure ailic:a ia then ~ ova' the gIaa WooL
4.01 Caladatioa - Express the results obtained in terms of meq of H+ per .
100 g ofsoil
"'If exchangeable H+ per 100 g soil=(T-B) X N .X mass o~~~il in s
where . .
T = volume of sodium hydroxide solution used in titration of soil
extraction, mI; .
B = volume of sodium hydroxide solution used for the .hlank titra-
tion, ml; and
.}{ = normality of standard sodium hydroxide solution.
5. METHOD FOR DETERMiNATION OF CATION EXCHANGE
CAl'ACITY (MBTALU~ AND HYDROGEN IONS TOGETHER)
5.1 Reapau
5.1.1 SotlUJm Aut4U &illtiDra - 1 N. Adjusted to pH 5·0 containing 82 g of
salt and about 28 mI of glacial acetic acid per litre.
5.1.2 Sodittm Ac~laI6 &Iutimt - Neutral, I N. Containing 82 g of sa lt J?er
litre, with pH adjusted to 7'0 with acetic acid to neutralize sodium hydroXIde
normally formed by hY4rolysis of this salt.
5.1.3 Calciwn CIIlrnid4 - Neutral, I N.. Containing approximately. 109 g
of calcium chloride, hexahydrate or 73 g of calcium chloride, per litre of
carbondioxide-free distilled water, with pH adjusted to 7·0 with calcium
hydroxide. . .
5.1.01 Auto". - 80 percent.
5:1.5 S/J«i4l SolMtUnu - The following special solutions are required for
calcium vcnene procedure. .
5.1..s.~ StIINlaT..d e~ soUllio" - 0·500 5 g of pure dried calcium «:ar-
bcmate JSdissolved m a lIUIWIlum of 0 ·2 N hydrochloric acid. The solu~on
is boiled to t:q)C:1 carbondioxidc and is then diluted to 1 litre. The IOlutton
ia 0-610 0 N with respect to calcium. .
5.1.5.2 ~ ~ hytlrtuiJ6 6tdfer of pH 10- This
bufIer is made up of 100 ml of 1 N ammonium chloride and 500 ml of I N
ammonium hydnmide. .

8
Standard provided by BIS via BSB Edge Private Limited to CIVIBIT LAB LLP - Chhat
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IS I 2720 (Part XXIV) - 197'
5.1.5.3 Eriochroms black T indicator - This solution is prepared by
dissolution of 0'5 g of the indicator with 4·5 g of hydroxylamine hydro-
chloride in 100 ml of methanol.
5.1.5.4 Sodium cyanid4 solution -.:. 2 percent.
5.1.5.5 Standard oersen« solution - A 2-g portion of disodium versenace
(disodium dihydrogen ethylenediamine tetra acetic acid) is dissolved in
900 m.l of water. Then approximately 50 mg of magnesium chloride crys-
tals (MgCIs.6H1 0 ) are added to the solution. The normality of vc:nen.e iI
then determined by titration of 25 ml portion of the standard calcium
solution. .
5~3 Apparatus
5.3.1 Centrifuge Tubes - 100 ml.
5.3.2 Cmtrifuge - (Se, Note under 5.4.1).
5.3.3 Beaker - 250 ml (see IS: 2619-1971·).
5.3.4 Conical Flask - 500 mi.
5.3.5 Pipette -- 25 ml (see IS: 4162-1967t).
5.3.6 Burette - with stand (SII IS: 1997-1967~).
5.4 Proceclure
5.4.1 Take 5 g of soil in a 100-mi centrifuge tube and stir-in 50 mI of I N
sodium acetate of pH 5·0 with a policeman-tipped rod. D~t the soil
susp ension in a near boiling water-bath for 30 minutes with mtermittant
stirring. Remove the salts by centrifugation of the suspension and decan-
tation of the clear supernatant liquid (SN Note). Give two additional
washings with I N sodium acetate of pH 5'0, the 30 minutes boiling water-
bath treatment being repeated if the sample is known to be calcareous. If
still the presence of salts is doubted, give two more washings with 1 N sodium
acetate of pH 5·0. Then give the sample 5 washings with I N calcium
chloride solution. Remove the excess salts by washings (usually 5) with 80
percent acetone, until the excess calcium chloride is removed as indicated by
a negative AgNo. test for chloride in the last of the washings. FiDaIly
replace calcium by means of 5 washings, with a neutral! N sodium acetate
solution. Place in a SOO-mI conical flask, the calcium solution (about 250 ml)
resulting from displacement in the determination of cation exchange capa-
city. Then, add 10 ml of the ammonium chloride-ammonium hydroxide
buffer solution to bring the solution to pH 10; and ~ add 10 dropa oil
erich rome black T indicator solution and I mI of 2 percent sodium cyanide
solution. Similarly prepare a blank of sodium acetate and titrate it to.
*Specificatioo lOr P. bcakcn (jinI NIlisiM).
tSpcdfication _ graduated pipettes.
~Specification for burette (finll'llli.riM).
Standard provided by BIS via BSB Edge Private Limited to CIVIBIT LAB LLP - Chhatr
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IS I 2720 (part XXIV) - 1976
bright blue end-point with standardized (about O·Ol.N) versene solution.
Titrate the test sample to the same. colour.
NOTE - In 'Iieu of centrifuge washing, the sample may be washed in an ordinary
funnel with filter paper.
55 .CalcalatiOD
5.5.1 Calculate the milli-equivalent cation exchange capacity per 100 g
of soil as follows:
"IItJ exchange capacity
per 100 g = ml of versene solution X N X
mass a
fHX)'1 .
501 In g
where N is the' normality of the versene solution .

10
e Standard provided by BIS via BSB Edge Private Limited to CIVIBIT LAB LLP - Chhatra
Sambhajinagar(civibit23@gmail.com) 49.36.43.240 [for non-commercial use only].

IS I 2720 (Part XXIV) • 1976

(Conlinutd from. paJ' 2)

.\1,m.6", 1b/WI1'lIlin,
SIIRI R. L. V.WAN Irrigalion Reaearch Institute, Khagaul, Patna
DEPllTY DIRI,CTOII Rr.u:.u.CH Railway Board (Ministry of Railways)
(5011. MECJlANICS)-l
AssurrAtlT DnUtCTOR RUEARCK
(SOIl. !\1KCllIANICl)·1 (AI"""",.)
DIRECTOR (CSMRS) Central Waler Commiuion, New Delhi
· D EP UT Y OIUCToa (CSMRS) (...tllml4l1)
SURI H. K. GUKA Geolngiao' Syndicate PYr Ltd, Calcutta
SllIlI N. N . BUATTAOIlAaAYA (A/IIm4lI)
DR SHASH. 1'. GULHAn Indian Iruutute of Technology, New Delhi
SHill R. K. JAIN United Technical ConJultanll Pvt Ltd. New Delhi
011 P. K. Dr. (A/llmall)
SHill O. P. MALKOTaA Buildinp at Roada ReIearch Laboratory, Public
Worlu DeIlvtment, GoYemmenc of Punjab,
Chandiprh
DIIlECTOIl (.4/"'114/1)
DIl V. V. S. RAo In penonaJ capacity (P·lI G". P.I:. N"" DlW
110016)
SHILl H. C. VElUCA. A.ociated lrutrument Manufac:turen (India) Pvc
Ltd, New Delhi
Pao, T. S. NAGAIlAJ (..4l1m1c11)

11
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