New plant and soil analyzes are carried out directly in the field

Fertiláqua has been carrying out weekly online broadcasts with representatives of its technical staff and agribusiness specialists. The broadcast addressed the revolution in plant and soil analysis, with PhD professors from the Federal University of Lavras, Bruno Teixeira, Luiz Roberto and Marcelo Guerra. The broadcast was conducted by Fertiláqua's market development coordinator, Eduardo Cancellier. 

The participants outlined a chronology of analyses, from the classic ones carried out years ago to the most modern ones, using high-tech platforms and sensors that deliver results quickly. 

Classical analyzes are procedures that involve collecting samples as a first step. Next is the phase to dry, sift and prepare the soil. Then, this sample undergoes the process of digestion and extraction of nutrients and elements of interest and, finally, they are determined and quantified by a classic chemical analytical procedure.

However, according to the professors, analyzes in the field are evolving very quickly, and it is currently possible to do them in situ and on the machine simultaneously. This is done through portable equipment with sensors that perform analyzes in less than a minute. 

“Classical chemistry will not end, as it has important pre-existing information, which will help when new sensors require corrections in their operation. But with these new technologies that allow for the acquisition of a greater amount of data, when connected to a machine, they help farmers make decisions more quickly”, says Luiz Roberto. 

A new technology for analysis is the portable X-ray fluorescence sensor, considered the most innovative in soil science with great application for plants. In addition to obtaining the total elemental composition, based on all the data, it can be used to supply prediction models and estimate other properties of interest in the soil. Reading elements takes between 30 and 60 seconds, while conventional analysis would take around 15 days. 

“This tool analyzes not only the soil, but also leaves, liquid matrices, water and fertilizers. Its main advantage is that it does not use waste. It has been a boom in the sector. Soils all over the world are being characterized with it”, explains Bruno. 

Another new system used recently is LIBS, an acronym in Portuguese, Laser-Induced Plasma Optical Emission Spectrometry. Performs direct elemental analysis of the solid sample, without the need for sample preparation. As Marcelo pointed out, most of the time consumed and errors in plant and soil analyzes are attributed to sample preparation.

Both technologies are made directly in the field. There are many advantages: less analysis time, waste generation and uncertainty in the result. Furthermore, they are environmentally legal and non-harmful methods. 

The combined use of techniques is recommended by professionals. “With lighter elements, the performance of X-ray fluorescence is not very good, but with LIBS it is. The techniques together will be able to quantify all macro and micronutrients in the soil. The ideal is to use the best that each technique provides”, explains Marcelo.   

For experts, the future of modern, technological agriculture that aims to increase crop efficiency is the use of drones and their correlations with sensors on the ground to advance even further, the fusion of sensors and the optimization of applications of a nutrient to remedy disability for individual.