 |
||
|
Soil and Landscape Science
Surface Water Hydrology
Groundwater Hydrology
Environmental Information Systems
Environmental Earth Observation
Catchment Biogeochemistry and Aquatic Ecology
Contaminant Chemistry and Ecotoxicology
Water Reuse and Environmental Process Engineering
Urban Water Systems Engineering
|
 Infrared Soil Analysis laboratory - ResearchAbout the ISAL | ISAL strengths | Current Research & Applications | In-field Applications | Staff/Contact History of MIR at CSIRO | What is mid infrared (MIR) spectroscopy? | Predicting soil properties | Statistical Methods & Analysis | Additional Services | Routine Analyses About the Infrared Soil Analysis Laboratory (ISAL)CSIRO Land and Water has over 40 years experience in the use of mid infrared (MIR) spectroscopy for research and routine applications. What we can doThis cost-effective technique can be used to predict a wide range of chemical and physical soil properties quickly and easily, as well as allowing for the examination of soil chemical composition, which is expressed in the infrared spectra. The MIR method provides a very rapid and useful tool for the investigation of chemical and physical processes important in plant root growth, soil fertility, soil acidity, soil moisture retention, factors determining nutrient and contaminant availability and ecotoxicity. Due to the low cost of the MIR method for soil analysis, it is ideally suited to landscape variability surveys, precision agriculture and contaminated site investigations. ISAL conducts research and provides fundamental information on soil chemistry, soil organic matter, and soil mineralogy for scientists in Australia and overseas. It assists the development and applications of methods for soil analysis for soil fertility studies, soil physical measurements and contaminants in soils. The laboratory has access to a broad range of data and computer models for analysing soils, minerals and soil organic matter supporting activities such as soil surveys, environmental monitoring and precision agriculture. The routine soil analysis capability focuses on rapid and inexpensive turnaround for many soil physical and chemical properties. The ISAL also carries out consulting and project work for commercial clients. ClientsThe ISAL provides research support to groups within and outside CSIRO, and is available to assist and collaborate with industry, government, research institutes and universities. Equipment
The ISAL is based within the CSIRO Land and Water Analytical Service Unit, Adelaide. It is equipped with a Perkin-Elmer Spectrum One , Fourier-Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectrometer. Having a spectral range from the NIR 7800cm-1 through to the MIR at 450cm-1. Typically spectra are scanned for one minute at 8cm-1 resolution using a diffuse reflectance (DRIFT) sample accessory. The ISAL also has access to field-portable FTIR spectrometer/s and has alternative sample introduction techniques including Attenuated Total Reflectance (ATR) and Photo-Acoustic Spectroscopy (PAS) for specialised research applications. Samples for DRIFT are usually reduced to a fine powder using a vibrating puck mill for fine grinding, prior to scanning. The MIR facility also has access to field-portable FTIR spectrometer/s such as A2 Technology's Exoscan and has alternative sample introduction techniques including Attenuated Total Reflectance (ATR) and Photo-Acoustic Spectroscopy (PAS) for specialised research applications. Samples for DRIFT are usually reduced to a fine powder using a vibrating puck mill for fine grinding, prior to scanning. AnalysisThe MIR service has access to a number of software options for spectral processing, multivariate statistical methods such as PLS analysis, and neural networks, including a custom PLS prediction module designed for specific client applications. Strengths of the ISALThe major strengths of the CSIRO ISAL are:
Read more about mid infrared (MIR) spectrometry in relation to soil analysis. ISAL current research and applicationsCurrent research and applications at the ISAL include:
See a list of selected significant publications relevant to MIR. ISAL in-field applications
This offers the possibility of rapidly shortening the time for investigations into soil chemical and physical behaviour, and rapid problem identification and management in the field. ISAL staff and contact details
For further information contact: Back to CSIRO Land and Water Testing and Services page |
|
|
© CSIRO Australia, 2009 | Legal Notice and Disclaimer | Privacy Statement | Website Information Last updated: 8 July, 2010 |
||
The ISAL is currently evaluating the robustness and performance of handheld spectrometers for the rapid on-site investigation of soil physical properties, soil nutrients, contaminants in soils and contaminant behaviour. These instruments will allow rapid in-field screening of soils for identification of areas or soils that require more detailed laboratory analysis, and those that do not.