Test For Free Carbonates

Free carbonates are compounds that coat soil particles. They form under certain conditions such as in dry climates where the pH is above 7. They are also found in some soil profiles that have parent materials made of carbonates (such as limestone).

This test is performed by squirting vinegar on the soil. If free carbonates are present, they will "effervesce" or bubble when the vinegar reacts with them. Record one of the following based on your observation:

None: you observe no reaction (the soil has no free carbonates).

Slight: you observe a slight amount of bubbling (the soil is coated with some carbonates).

Strong: you observe a strong reaction (many bubbles) (the soil has many carbonate coatings present).