Applications of laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy for soil analysis, part I: review of fundamentals and chemical and physical properties

Authors: VILLAS-BOAS, PAULINO - Embrapa; FRANCO, MARCO - Universidade De Sao Paulo; MARTIN-NETO, LADISLAU - Embrapa; Gollany, Hero; MILORI, DEBORA - Embrapa

Submitted to: European Journal of Soil Science
Publication Type: Peer Reviewed Journal
Publication Acceptance Date: 9/2/2019
Publication Date: 9/5/2019
Citation: Villas-Boas, P., Franco, M.A., Martin-Neto, L., Gollany, H.T., Milori, D. 2019. Applications of laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy for soil analysis, part I: review of fundamentals and chemical and physical properties. European Journal of Soil Science. 71(5):789-804. https://doi.org/10.1111/ejss.12888.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1111/ejss.12888

Interpretive Summary: Laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS) has become a prominent analytical technique in recent years for real-time characterization of soil properties. However, only a few studies of soil chemical and physical properties have been reported using LIBS until recently. The aims of this first article are to: 1) provide the basic principles of LIBS use for soil analysis and 2) present LIBS uses for soil pH, soil texture, and humification degree of soil organic matter. The second article will cover soil classification and soil elemental analysis, including plant nutrients, carbon, and trace metal contaminants. LIBS is a multi-element analytical technique based on atomic spectroscopy that employs a high-energy laser pulse focused onto a sample surface to create a transient plasma. It is a spectroscopic analytical technique that requires very little or no sample preparation, examines each sample in less than a few seconds, and offers a flexible platform for examination of a broad array of elements in the sample. LIBS also can be used to infer soil chemical and physical properties if a relationship exists between the chemical composition and the soil properties. With proper calibration, LIBS has a great potential for real-time in-field soil analysis and precision farming that could lead to improved soil management and agricultural production, and reduced agricultural environmental impacts.

Technical Abstract: Laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS) has become a prominent analytical technique in recent years for real-time characterization of soil properties. However, only a few studies of soil chemical and physical properties have been reported using LIBS until recently. The aims of this first article are to: 1) provide the basic principles of LIBS use for soil analysis and 2) present LIBS uses for soil pH, soil texture, and humification degree of soil organic matter (SOM). The second article will cover soil classification and soil elemental analysis, including plant nutrients, carbon (C), and trace metal contaminants. LIBS is a multi-element analytical technique based on atomic spectroscopy that employs a high-energy laser pulse focused onto a sample surface to create a transient plasma. It is a spectroscopic analytical technique that requires very little or no sample preparation, examines each sample in less than a few seconds, and offers a flexible platform for examination of a broad array of elements in the sample. LIBS also can be used to infer soil chemical and physical properties if a relationship exists between the chemical composition and the soil properties. With proper calibration, LIBS has a great potential for real-time in-field soil analysis and precision farming that could lead to improved soil management and agricultural production, and reduced agricultural environmental impacts.