Using Spectrometer to measure soil nutrient solutions

AI Thread Summary
A farmer in Australia is experimenting with devices to measure soil nutrient levels using a vacuum system to extract moisture. He inquires whether elements like N, P, K, Ca, and Mg can be measured with a spectrometer and if it is complicated. Responses indicate that these nutrients are often at trace levels, making them difficult to quantify with standard spectrometers; techniques like ICP or atomic absorption are recommended instead. The farmer also questions if lab results in ppm indicate trace levels and mentions the possibility of using reagents for measurement. The discussion highlights the challenges of accurately measuring soil nutrients and the need for specialized equipment.
vmancini
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Hi Guys,

Sorry for dumping this thread in here, I really wouldn't know where this would fit...

I'm a farmer in Australia and I'm trying out these really simple devices to measure nutrient levels in my soil, they're basically a ceramic container with a small hose that gets buried into the root zone of my crop, I use a syringe to create a vacuum in the container which slowly draws soil moisture over night for extraction the following day.

My question is: Can the N,P,K,Ca,Mg levels be measured in a Spectrometer? Is it complicated if it can be done? Do you need a certain type of spectrometer?

Thanks,

Vito Mancini
 
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As I know, those elements are in traced level so it is nearly impossible to use some kinds of photospectrographs to identify and quantify. You can use techniques such as ICPs or atomic asorption for the purpose.
 
All I know is that the results that I've been getting back from the labs are returned in ppm... is that trace level? I spoke to someone today and they said you may be able to use reagents to do the trick, anyone know?

Thanks for your comment pixel01

Vito
 

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