Chemical Properties

04.10 Electrical Conductivity for Compost

Test Method: Electrical Conductivity for Compost. One Method Units: dS m-1
Test Method Applications
Process Management Product Attributes
Step 1: Step 2: Step 3: Step 4: Step 5: Step 6: Step 7: Safety Market
Feedstock Feedstock Composting Odor Compost Curing Compost Compost Standards Attributes
Recovery Preparation Treatment Screening and Storing and
Refining Packaging

04.10-A 04.10-A 04.10-A

04.10 ELECTRICAL CONDUCTIVITY FOR COMPOST

DISCLAIMERS
(1) The methodologies described in TMECC do not purport to address all
safety concerns associated with their use. It is the responsibility of the
user of these methods to establish appropriate safety and health
practices, and to determine the applicability of regulatory limitations
prior to their use.
(2) All methods and sampling protocols provided in TMECC are subject
to revision and update to correct any errors or omissions, and to
accommodate new widely accepted advances in techniques and
methods. Please report omissions and errors to the U.S. Composting
Council Research and Education Foundation. An on-line submission
form and instructions are provided on the TMECC web site,
http://www.tmecc.org.
(3) Process alternatives, trade names, or commercial products as
mentioned in TMECC are only examples and are not endorsed or
recommended by the U.S. Department of Agriculture or the U.S.
Composting Council Research and Education Foundation.
Alternatives may exist or may be developed.
NOTE 11 Mhos ≡ 1 Siemen’s unit ≡ 1 Ω -1
1. Scope
1.1 This section covers the determination of electrical
conductivity of compost.
1.1.1 Method 04.10-A 1:5 Slurry Method, Mass
Basis.
NOTE 2The 1:5 Slurry method is included in TMECC
while the Saturated Paste Extract method (ECe) was
removed with peer agreement through the TMECC peer-
review process in the interest of diminishing variations in
reported EC results for compost samples. The 1:5 Slurry
method is more conservative, analytically sound and less
prone to systematic error. It also includes sample
preparation steps that account for variations in moisture
content among compost samples. The 1:5 Slurry method is
valid for use on compost samples that are not amended
with inorganic fertilizers, (e.g., ammonium sulfate, etc.)
which significantly increase measured EC values.
1.2 Values stated in SI units are to be regarded as the
standard. Values given in parentheses are provided for
information only.
2. Referenced Documents
2.1 TMECC:
Method 03.09 Total Solids and Moisture.
Method 04.11 Electrometric pH Determinations for
Compost.
Method 05.02-E Agricultural Index (AgIndex).
2.2 Other References:
NCR Pub. No. 221 (Revised), Recommended chemical soil
test procedures, Missouri agricultural experiment station
SB 1001, January 1998.
Dahnke, W.C. and D.A. Whitney. 1988. Measurement of
Soil Salinity. In Recommended Chemical Soil Test
Procedures for the North Central Region. NCR Pub. 221
(Rev). Bul. 499. (Rev), October 1988.
US Salinity Laboratory Staff. 1954. Diagnosis and
improvement of saline and alkali soils. USDA
Handbook No. 60. p 90. U. S. Govt. Print. Office.
Washington, DC.
Rhoades, J.D. 1996. Salinity: Electrical conductivity and
total dissolved solids. p. 417-435. In J. M. Bartels et al.
(ed.) Methods of Soil Analysis: Part 3. Chemical
Methods 3rd. ed. ASA and SSSA, Madison, WI. Book
series no. 5.
Peters, J. R. 1963. The nature and management of saline
soils. Manitoba Dept. of Agric. and Conservation. Publ.
#360.
3. Terminology
3.1 salt, n—A chemical compound formed by
replacing all or part of the hydrogen ions of an acid with
metal ions or electropositive radicals.
3.2 standard, n—Serving as or conforming to a
standard of measurement or value. Sample often
referred to a standard reference sample or check of
known physical, chemical or biological characteristics
used to monitor analytical bias or accuracy of a
physical, chemical or biological determination.
4. Summary of Test Methods
4.1 Method 04.10-A 1:5 Slurry Method, Mass
Basis—A compost sample at as-received moisture is
blended with water at a ratio of 1:5, dw/v equivalent
basis. The sample is shaken for 20 min at room
temperature to allow the salts to solubilize in the water.
Electrical conductivity is measured in the 1:5 sample
slurry. An optional extraction step is provided for
situations where a conductivity measure is required for
the sample extract solution.

Test Methods for the Examination of Composting and Compost May 12, 2002
04.10-1
Chemical Properties
Electrical Conductivity for Compost 04.10
5. Significance and Use
5.1 Electrical conductivity is a measure of the soluble
salt content in compost, where soluble salts refers to
the concentration of soluble ions in a solution.
Conductivity varies with both the number and type of
ions contained in the solution, and can indicate if a
compost has phytotoxic potential when used as a soil
amendment.
5.2 Pure water is a very poor conductor of electric
current, whereas water containing the dissolved ions
ordinarily found in compost and soil conducts current
approximately in proportion to the amount of cations
and anions present in solution. Therefore, electrical
conductivity measurements of a compost extract
provides an indication of the total ion concentration in
the matrix.
5.3 Soluble salts in compost may limit its ultimate end
use. Each user group, (e.g., vegetable growers, nursery
industry, etc.), has its own set of salinity standards for
growing specific plants or crops.
5.4 High salt determinations for a given compost or
feedstock may be associated with high plant nutrient
content, but can damage plants—especially seedlings
by burning roots and preventing or delaying
germination.
5.5 Excessively high electrical conductivity (ion
content) decreases plant-available soil water and plant
nutrient uptake. Conversely, very low salt content may
indicate low fertility levels, especially of bases such as
potassium, calcium or magnesium. Refer to Method
05.02-F to manage the nutrient to salt ratio (AgIndex) of
feedstocks and grading finished composts for nutrients.
6. Interference and Limitations
6.1 Inorganic fertilizers—The 1:5 Slurry method is
valid for use on compost samples that are not amended
May 12, 2002
04.10-2
with inorganic fertilizers, (e.g., ammonium sulfate, etc.).
Inorganic fertilizers will significantly increase measured
electrical conductivity values.
6.2 Probe maintenance—composts are often high in
organic acids. These acids can accumulate on the
surface of the glass electrodes forming a film and
diminishing the flow of current. See manufacturer's
instructions for cleaning and/or recoating the
electrodes.
6.3 Use deionized water with minimum resistivity of 17
MΩ⋅cm-1. Do not use tap water because it often carries
significant concentrations of minerals such as Ca, Mg,
K, Cl and other salts that will distort the electrical
conductivity measurement.
6.4 The electrical conductivity of an aqueous salt
solution increases with increasing temperature
(approximately 2% per °C). The standard temperature
for reporting electrical conductivity measurements is
25°C. If the conductivity/resistivity meter used does
not compensate for differing temperature, a correction
factor must be applied.
6.5 Optional Extraction Step—Centrifugation does
not always provide complete removal of solution extract
as does the vacuum extraction approach. For this
reason, vacuum extraction is called for in the optional
extraction steps.
7. Sample Handling
7.1 Use as-received, moist material with a maximum
aggregate size of 9.5 mm, i.e., material that passes
through a 9.5-mm sieve.
7.1.1 Method 04.10-A—This method requires
approximately 30 cm3 or less of material for determining
electrical conductivity of a sample. The prepared slurry
or extract for this method can also be used for Method
04.11-A Electrometric pH Determinations.
Test Methods for the Examination of Composting and Compost
 Chemical Properties
04.10 Electrical Conductivity for Compost

Test Method: Electrical Conductivity for Compost. 1:5 Slurry Method, Mass Units: dS m-1
Basis
Test Method Applications
Process Management Product Attributes
Step 1: Step 2: Step 3: Step 4: Step 5: Step 6: Step 7: Safety Market
Feedstock Feedstock Composting Odor Compost Curing Compost Compost Standards Attributes
Recovery Preparation Treatment Screening and Storing and
Refining Packaging

04.10-A 04.10-A 04.10-A

04.10-A 1:5 SLURRY METHOD, MASS BASIS

LOOK —Interference and Limitations, and Sampling Table 04.10-A1 Conductivity of KCl solutions at 25°C
Handling issues are presented as part of the introduction to
this section. Normal Concentration Conductivity (dS m-1 )
0.001 0.147
8. Apparatus for Method A 0.010 1.413
8.1 Conductivity/Resistivity Meter—soluble salt 0.020 2.767
bridge, (e.g., Industrial Instrument Inc., model RC-16B2 0.050 6.668
or equivalent). 0.10 12.90
0.20 24.82
8.2 Stirring Rod—approximately 15-cm length, glass. 0.50 58.64
8.3 Conductivity Cell—1-cm, apparatus-specific. ADAPTED FROM—Rhoades, 1996
8.4 Sample Flasks—500-mL, plastic or glass 10.2 Duplicate Samples—Within each batch of twelve
Erlenmeyer flasks, with screw-cap lid or cover. samples duplicate at least one sample to monitor
8.5 Sample Beakers—100-mL, plastic or glass. precision.

8.6 Reciprocating Shaker—capable of shaking a
sample flask at the rate of 180 reciprocations or
excursions per min.
8.7 Centrifuge Extraction Apparatus (optional
step)—200-mL centrifuge tubes, capable of 8000 g.
9. Reagents and Materials for Method A
9.1 Water—ammonia-free, carbonate-free, deionized,
minimum resistivity of 17 MΩ⋅cm-1.
9.2 Calibration Standard—Dissolve 0.7456 g KCl
(previously dried at 110°C for 2 h) deionized water and
dilute to 1.0 L. At 25oC±0.1°C a 0.010 N KCl solution
will have an EC of 1.412 dS m-1 (mmhos cm-1). For a
0.100 N KCl solution (7.456 g KCl diluted to 1.0 L) will
have an EC of 12.900 dS m-1. Standard EC calibration
solutions are listed in Table 04.10-A1 and can be
purchased from a scientific supply vendor.
9.3 Filter paper (optional step)—medium flow,
Whatman No. 1 or equivalent.
10. Procedure for Method A
10.1 Calibration Check—Determine conductivity of
calibration solutions. Refer to Table 04.10-A1.
10.3 Compost Aliquot Moisture—Determine the total
solids ratio on a parallel sample aliquot.
10.3.1 Measure and record the as-received tare
weight of the aliquot. Oven dry the aliquot in a
microwave oven with high temperature setting for
approximately 5 min, or until sample weight-change
diminishes to nill. Calculate the total solids ratio by
dividing the microwave oven dry weight by the as-
received moist weight.
CAUTION—Metal fragments, i.e., inert contaminants in the
compost aliquot, may cause the sample to ignite inside of
the microwave oven.
10.3.2 If no microwave oven is available, follow the
protocols to determine total solids as described in
Method 03.09 Total Solids and Moisture, the procedure
required for reporting sample moisture content. This
choice will require that Method 04.10-A is performed
after the total solids and moisture determination is
completed.
10.4 Prepare Samples:
10.4.1 Weigh 40.0 g dry-weight equivalent of as-
received moist compost (Equation 10.4.1.1) into the
sample container, (e.g., 250-mL screw-cap flask).
10.4.1.1 Determine the dry-weight equivalent aliquot
size.

Test Methods for the Examination of Composting and Compost May 12, 2002
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Chemical Properties
Electrical Conductivity for Compost 04.10

A= B ÷ [C × 0.01] Equation 10.4.1.1 10.4.2 Bring the liquid fraction of the 1:5 solids:liquid
where: slurry to an equivalent of 200 mL by adding deionized
A= mass of as-received moist compost aliquot, g water to the as-received moist compost aliquot (refer to
B= dry-weight equivalent of sample, 40.0 g, Equation 10.4.2.1). This step is based upon an
C= sample total solids content, % wet weight basis, assumption that 1 mL is equivalent to 1 g of the as-
and received compost liquid fraction, and that 1 mL of water
is equivalent to 1 g of water.
0.01 = factor to convert from percentage to fraction,
unitless.

May 12, 2002 Test Methods for the Examination of Composting and Compost
04.10-4

10.4.2.1 Determine the required volume of extractant.
A= B – [C – 40] Equation 10.4.2.1
where:
A= volume of extractant required, mL
B= target 1:5 slurry liquid fraction, 200 mL
C= mass of as-received compost aliquot, g, and
40 = total solids fraction of the as-received compost
aliquot, g.
10.4.3 Place the 250-mL flasks with the 1:5 slurry on a
shaker for 20 min at 180 reciprocations or excursions per
minute.
10.4.4 Maintain slurry at ambient laboratory
temperature, (e.g., 20°C to 23°C).
10.5 Optional Extraction Step—Extract the 1:5
solids:liquid slurry liquid fraction. Determine
conductance on extact rather than on the slurry as
described below. Report the inclusion of this step
when reporting analytical results
10.5.1 Transfer the slurry to a 200-mL centrifuge tube.
Centrifuge at 8000 g for fifteen min to separate solid and
liquid fractions, or
10.6 Electrical Conductance—Determine the electrical
conductance of the 1:5 compost/water slurry with a
conductivity/resistivity meter.
Test Methods for the Examination of Composting and Compost
Chemical Properties
04.10 Electrical Conductivity for Compost
NOTE 1A—If the conductivity meter requires the use of a
1-cm conductivity cell, incorporate the optional extraction
step (14.4) and proceed with the extract solution rather
than the slurry as described below.
10.6.1 Standardize the conductivity meter using the
standard KCl solution following manufacturers
instructions.
10.6.2 Measure the temperature of the slurry. Set the
temperature compensation dial on the conductivity
meter to the temperature of the slurry.
10.6.3 Insert the conductivity electrodes into the
slurry and swirl gently. Allow the instrument/sample to
stabilize. Read and record the conductivity of the slurry
(dS m-1 = mMhos cm-1).
NOTE 2A—If the conductivity meter does not have a
temperature compensator, follow the temperature
correction formula provided in the appendix of this
section, 04.10 Appendix. Temperature Correction.
11. Calculations and Corrections for Method A
11.1 If temperature compensation is not an option in
the conductivity meter, correct the reading to 25°C as
specified in 04.10 APPENDIX—Temperature Correction.
May 12, 2002
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Chemical Properties
Electrical Conductivity for Compost 04.10

04.10 METHODS SUMMARY

12. Report
12.1 Report method selected for electrical conductivity
determination, sample pH, as-received moisture content,
material type, (e.g., compost, feedstock, etc.), and
source material, (e.g., MSW, biosolids, yard waste, etc.).
12.1.1 Optional Extraction Step—Report use of this
step and all other protocol modifications that deviate
from the write-up.
12.1.2 Minimum Detectable Concentration—±0.1 dS
m-1 (mMhos cm-1).
13. Precision and Bias
13.1 Method 04.10-A 1:5 Slurry Method, Mass
Basis—The precision and bias of this test are not
determined. Data are being sought for use in
developing a precision and bias statement.
14. Keywords
14.1 soluble salts; electrical conductivity; dilution;
slurry; extract; saturation; 1:5

May 12, 2002 Test Methods for the Examination of Composting and Compost
04.10-6
 Chemical Properties
04.10 Electrical Conductivity

APPENDIX TO 04.10—TEMPERATURE CORRECTION

15. Temperature Correction for Methods 04.10-A. 15.2 Multiply the reading from each sample by the
temperature correction coefficient to correctly report
15.1 Temperature Correction Coefficient—Measure
readings on a 25°C basis.
electrical conductivity of the KCl calibration standard at
laboratory temperature. Divide the 25°C standard D = E×A Equation 15.2
electrical conductivity value by the measured value. where:
A= B÷C Equation 15.1 D = corrected reading for sample on a 25°C basis,
dS m-1 (mMhos cm-1),
where:
E = reading for sample at laboratory temperature,
A = temperature correction coefficient, unitless,
dS m-1 (mMhos cm-1),
B = conductivity of KCl calibration standard at 25°C,
A = temperature correction coefficient, unitless.
1.41 dS m-1, etc. (refer to Table 04.100-A1), and
C = electrical conductivity of KCl calibration standard
at laboratory temperature, dS m-1, (mMhos cm-1).

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