A rapid procedure is proposed for simultaneous measurement of total and radioactive C in soils, soil extracts and plant materials. The procedure involves dry or wet combustion of the sample, total C determination with an automatic analyzer and C14O2 absorbtion in a liquid for scintillation measurement. The use of methyl-cellosolve plus mono-ethanolamine as a CO2 absorber allows measurements of weakly labeled materials. This method is suitable for fast routine analysis.