Factors Affecting the Determination of Nitric Oxide and Nitrogen Dioxide Evolution From Soil

The recovery of nitric oxide or nitrogen dioxide evolved from a slightly acid soil (pH 6.5) treated with nitrite was measured in a closed incubation system by absorption in an acid permanganate solution. Increased absorption of nitric oxide and nitrogen dioxide was obtained by increasing the permanganate surface area relative to that of the soil, increasing the temperature, decreasing the soil water content, and decreasing the depth of the soil. These factors should be considered in studies where nitric oxide and nitrogen dioxide evolution is to be determined in closed systems.