Semi-automation with Reference to the Determination of Aluminium and Phosphorus in Soil and Cane Leaves

The semi-automated equipment purchased to cope with the increasing numbers of samples analysed by the Fertilizer Advisory Service Laboratory is described. Experiments used to evaluate the equipment and modifications to methodology are detailed, with specific reference to the determination of "extractable" aluminium and phosphorus in soils and total phosphorus in cane leaves. It was concluded that there was no loss in precision due to automation and that work output was increased. With the exception of aluminium determinations, no bias was introduced into the results by changes in methodology.