The content of potassium, chlorine, fluorine, nitrates and other ions in the soil impacts significantly the quality and quantity of what will grow on a seed bed, as well as the health of a human being who will feed on these vegetables and fruit. How to find out quickly and inexpensively the content of these ions in the soil? Not long ago, thanks to the work of specialists of the research-and-production enterprise “Ekoniks-Expert” and their colleagues from the “NIKO-ANALIT” Limited Liability Company (Moscow) a new device appeared to this end at the disposal of plant-breeders. Now, it will be possible to find out base characteristics of soil and ground in a greenhouses right on the spot, without taking samples to a specialized laboratory in a hope (alas, not always justified) for prompt and precise response. The analyzer invented and produced by the Moscow researchers enables to determine the concentration of potassium, chlorine, fluorine, calcium ions, as well as content of ammonium ions and nitrate-ions, and certainly, acidity of soil – or its ðÍ.
In general outline, this multi-purpose device is similar to ðÍ instrument familiar for a long time both in outward appearance and in mode of functioning. It contains two ion-selective electrodes (main and auxiliary electrodes), a tripod, a mixer and the analyzer per se – microprocessor with special software. Certainly, it includes the LCD display, friendly interface and convenient methods. One could say, take a bit of soil, throw it into a glass, pour water into it and take measurements in several minutes.
It is interesting to note that the authors specially checked if it is necessary to preliminary drain soil particles or it is possible to take measurements directly in the suspension, not in the filtrate. It has turned out that it makes practically no difference, so the researchers do not need to bother about filtrates in their striving for a transparent sample.
The only device inconvenience is the necessity to change electrodes. Identifying nitrate nitrogen requires one main electrode, determining chloride – needs a different one, and so on. Besides, reference electrodes will have to be changed in line with the method. However, all of them are included in a kit, and it is not difficult at all to replace one by another.
Certainly, it is impossible to state that the device is absolutely unique in its capabilities. There are foreign analogues available, there exist fundamentally different approaches. For example, potassium can be identified with the help of atomic absorption, and as per nitrates contained in tomatoes, for instance, even housewives are sometimes able to identify them directly in the market. But other methods either require a ten-time more expensive equipment or they are not multi-purpose, due to which samples have to be sent to a laboratory. However, it is impossible to perform an express-analysis easily and inexpensively on-site, that is directly on the seed bed or nearby. Unless, this is done with the help of the device developed by “Ekoniks-Expert” chemists, engineer and programmers.
Besides, the authors have produced an analyzer in two options – one for work in a laboratory, the other – in field conditions. Both of them function quickly, precisely and efficiently. By the way, they can be used not only for the purpose specified but also to determine the chloride and fluoride concentration in drinking water. This is also an important characteristic, and an additional device will not be needed. The device is also able to analyze juices and even meat products. For operators’ convenience, the authors have fully automated calculations, at that, the analysis results appear on the display in the units, which are needed in accordance with the required standard measurements.
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