Learn about the analysis of contaminants in soil to monitor the health of the environment.
Monitoring of Heavy Metals and Hazardous Elements in Soil
Soil may contain heavy metals and other dangerous elemental contaminants. Prior to use for agricultural, recreational, or other activities it should be screened to help protect people, plants, animals, and the surrounding environment.
The desirable soil pH range for optimum plant growth varies among crops. Generally, soil pH 6.0-7.5 is acceptable for most plants as most nutrients become available in this pH range. Soil pH can be determined by mixing soil sample with water and then measuring the resulting aqueous solution.
When designing or planting new garden or landscape, it is helpful to check the soil pH as different plants thrive in different soil pH ranges. pH determination can give indication whether soil is suitable for the plants to be grown or it needs to be adjusted to produce optimum plant growth.
Analysis of Compound Fertilizers by NIR Spectroscopy
Without compound fertilizers, industrial agriculture and thus the supply of food to a large part of the human population would be hardly conceivable. Fertilizers containing nitrogen (N), phosphate (P) and potassium (K) – the core nutritional elements – are called compound fertilizers or NPK fertilizers.
For the application it is important to determine the total nitrogen, total phosphorus and water-soluble potassium content in granulated NPK fertilizers. In addition to the sum parameters (e.g. total nitrogen), the individual components such as ammonium nitrogen or nitrate nitrogen etc. can also be determined.
Furthermore, the determination of added minerals or elements such as calcium or magnesium is also possible, depending on the matrix and concentration.
The EVOQ triple quadrupole for liquid chromatography (LC-TQ) delivers MRM assays with exceptional sensitivity and accuracy. It routinely achieves an unbeatable limit of quantitation (LOQ) in matrix.
Transportable TXRF spectrometer for ultra-trace (sub-ppb) elemental analysis of very small sample amounts in the ng or µg range: low operating cost.
The only benchtop EDXRF which can professionally be integrated into fully automated laboratories. The S2 PUMA Series 2 Automation delivers results on elemental analysis 24/7.
PAL-Soil has dual scales of Gravimetric soil moisture and Volumetric soil moisture. Save on time, labor, and material with PAL-Soil. A measurement only takes 10 minutes whether out in the fields or in the lab.
Based on the advanced optical design of previous LA-series analyzers, the LA-350 strikes a harmonious balance between high-functionality, easy operation, low maintenance, and cost-effectiveness.
HORIBA’s unique compact meter integrates the electrode, display and sample container to enable simple, effective on-site testing by direct measurement from a single drop.