Can we dry soil samples in a kiln commonly used for ceramics?
It is possible to dry soil samples in a ceramics kiln by running two 12-hour drying cycles at a low firing temperature (around 105˚Celsius). However, we recommend that you weigh a few soil samples after the second 12-hr cycle, and then let all of the samples dry for another hour or so. Then weigh the same few samples again. If one or more of the samples have lost more than 0.1 g of water, then continue to dry all of the samples for another 12-hour cycle. Continue this process until the samples stop losing moisture.
