Measuring soil components—in the field - Science Update - Veris Technologies - Brief Article

Agricultural Research, August, 2003 by David A. Laird

An instrument designed to provide infield analysis of key soil constituents may be on the horizon. A prototype has been built and tested for mechanical durability by Veris Technologies, part of Kejr, Inc., of Salina, Kansas. It consists of a thick soil shank with a sensor that uses near-infrared-reflectance spectroscopy to take readings through a sapphire "window" on its bottom. Initial field trials have demonstrated an ability to measure moisture, organic carbon, and total nitrogen in soils.

Data from on-the-go soil analyses--particularly of important components like nitrogen and carbon--could help growers and land managers adjust their field applications of fertilizer and pesticides for optimal agricultural benefit and minimal environmental harm. The device can also be used to measure in-soil carbon storage, a topic of growing interest because of the potential for soils to help reduce the buildup of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere.

Laboratory analyses of soil samples and interpretation of data are being completed under a cooperative research and development agreement with Veris Technologies. David A. Laird, USDA-ARS National Soil Tilth Laboratory, Ames, Iowa; phone (515) 294-1581, e-mail laird@nstl.gov.