COMPARATIVE COST ANALYSIS OF SOIL CARBON DETERMINATION USING TOC ANALYZER vs. WALKLEY-BLACK METHOD

Abstract

Soil carbon measurement is critical for understanding soil health, fertility, and the role of soils in global carbon cycling and climate change mitigation. Two widely used methods for determining soil organic carbon (SOC) are the Walkley-Black method and the use of Total Organic Carbon (TOC) analyzers. Each method has unique strengths and limitations, making them suitable for different applications depending on accuracy, cost, and available resources. This study compares the costs associated with both techniques, including capital investment, consumables, labor, maintenance, and waste disposal. Moreover, the quality assurance comparative analyses have been applied as well, assuming the basic reference criteria, such as: precision, accuracy and uncertainty of the measurements.  Data from multiple laboratories and sample scales are used to develop a comprehensive cost model. The analysis highlights the trade-offs between precision, scalability, and cost-effectiveness, offering insights for selecting the most suitable method for different applications.