THE capability to rapidly and economically analyse soil will now be enhanced through a new infrared instrument that has been adopted by the Ministry of Agriculture’s Research Division.
The instrument known as Mid Infrared (MIR) Spectroscopy will now assist the ministry’s division in analysing soil for example determining carbon (C) content or its physical, chemical, and biological properties.
The instrument is particularly used for soil analysis on the field by adapting rapid and simple spectroscopic methods.
It also among common spectroscopic methods used to measure multiple soil properties.
According to the ministry’s principal research officer chemistry Ami Sharma, the instrument was part of the new project titled “Soil Management in the Pacific Islands: investigation nutrient cycling and development of soils portal”.
The project was initiated by the Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research (ACIAR) through the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organization (CSIRO) and the Ministry of Agriculture.
The instrument was handed over to the ministry’s research division ACIAR yesterday.
