Soil Ammonium Detection via Gas Sampling and Multi-Gas Analysis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for determining soil mineral nitrogen content are time-consuming, destructive, and lack spatial resolution, preventing real-time, on-site measurements necessary for targeted fertilization and nitrification inhibitor application.
Innovation Solution
A non-invasive method using gas sampling devices, multi-gas measuring devices, mass flow meters, and evaluation devices for real-time, spatially high-resolution determination of ammonium and nitrite content in soil via soil emissions, allowing mobile application over large areas.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If soil samples are collected and analyzed in the laboratory, then the mineral nitrogen content can be determined, but the process is time-consuming and does not allow real-time measurement
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the measurement function from the laboratory setting and brings it to the field by using portable gas sampling devices and measurement systems that can determine ammonium and nitrate content directly in the soil environment, eliminating the time-consuming sample collection, transport, and laboratory analysis process
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses gas phase intermediaries (ammonia and nitrate gases) as mediators to transfer information about soil mineral nitrogen content. By measuring the concentration of these gases in soil air samples, the system indirectly determines the ammonium and nitrate content without direct chemical analysis of soil samples
2Measurement precision
If point sampling methods are used, then the mineral nitrogen content can be determined, but spatial resolution is insufficient for localized fertilization decisions
Solution Approach 1:
The invention segments the soil area into multiple measurement zones by taking numerous gas samples at different locations. Each sample point provides localized nitrogen status information, and the collection of these segmented measurements creates a spatial map that reveals variations in mineral nitrogen content across the field
Solution Approach 2:
The invention adds the spatial dimension to nitrogen content measurement by systematically sampling across the field surface. Instead of single-point measurements, the system collects data across two spatial dimensions (length and width of the field), enabling identification of nitrogen distribution patterns and zones
3Measurement precision
If stationary probes are inserted into the soil, then ammonium content in pore water can be measured, but the method is invasive and requires sufficient pore water
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the measurement function from invasive soil probes and implements it through non-invasive gas phase sampling. By measuring ammonia and nitrate gases in the soil air, the system determines nitrogen content without inserting probes into the soil, eliminating the requirement for sufficient pore water and enabling operation in various soil moisture conditions
Solution Approach 2:
The invention replaces the mechanical probe insertion system with a gas sampling system. Instead of physically inserting probes into the soil to contact pore water, the system uses gas sampling devices to collect and analyze air samples, substituting mechanical soil penetration with gas phase analysis
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables qualitative and quantitative, real-time assessment of soil ammonium and nitrite levels, facilitating precise fertilization and inhibitor application based on localized soil conditions.
Implementation Method 1
NH3 and NO are determined in the soil outgassing
Implementation Method 2
determining the outgassing rates f of NH3 and NO from the soil by means of a multi-gas measuring device
Implementation Method 3
the determined outgassing rates f of NH3 and NO from step c) are compared with calibration data previously determined for the soil and thus the local concentration of the ammonium and nitrite content of the soil is determined quantitatively in situ
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a measuring arrangement for the qualitative and quantitative in-situ and real-time determination of the ammonium content and the ammonium conversion to nitrite in soil, comprising at least the following components: one or more gas sampling devices, at least one multi-gas analyzer, at least one mass flow meter, at least one readout device, and at least one evaluation device for the multi-gas analyzer. The invention further relates to a method for the qualitative and quantitative in-situ and real-time determination of the ammonium content and the ammonium conversion to nitrite in soil, in which the measuring arrangement according to the invention is used and the following method steps are carried out: a) sampling soil gases by means of one or more gas sampling devices and conveying these soil gases to at least one multi-gas analyzer.b) Determination of the mass flow rate of soil outgassing to the multi-gas analyzer using a mass flow meter, c) Determination of the outgassing rate f of NH3 and NO from the soil using a readout device from the data of the multi-gas analyzer and the mass flow meter, based on the area of the soil covered by the gas sampling device, d) Determination of the ammonium and nitrite content of the soil by an evaluation device, wherein the determined outgassing rates f from step c) are compared with previously determined calibration data for the soil, thus determining the local qualitative and quantitative concentration of the ammonium and nitrite content of the soil in real time in situ.