Using a field spectroradiometer such as the Spectral Evolution PSR+, a researcher can get an estimate of potassium content in soil.
Spectroscopy can be a useful tool in measuring the amount of potassium in soil. It is fast, inexpensive and non-destructive, and measurements can be taken in the field. Potassium has a distinctive spectral absorbance feature in a reflectance scan between 2,450 and 2,470 nanometerse. The depth and breadth of this feature can indicate the relative amount of potassium contained in the soil sample.
The PSR+ is a lightweight, reliable, high-resolution near-infrared spectroradiometer designed for field use. The PSR+ covers the full ultraviolet/visible/near-infrared range from with unmatched sensitivity and accuracy. It is easy for one person in the field to use with an optional handheld microcomputer and direct screw-on lenses, or fiber optic connection to a pistol grip or sample contact probe. The PSR+ includes Spectral’s exclusive DARWin SP Data Acquisition software with access to the U.S. Geological Survey’s spectral library and 19 vegetation indices. DARWin saves all data as an ASCII file for use with other analysis and chemometric software tools.
The PSR+ can work in standalone mode to store up to 1,000 field scans before offloading, or use it with the optional GETAC minicomputer with GPS, altimeter, voice notes, digital camera and unlimited data storage. The PSR+ is supplied with two rechargeable lithium-ion batteries, each capable of up to four hours of use. The PSR+ is also available with a benchtop probe and sample compactor for soil analysis use in the lab.
The ability to measure potassium in soil can be a key to promoting a better approach to prescription fertilization as part of precision agriculture.
Contact Spectral Evolution at www.spectralevolution.com.