What are the methods of analysis of fertilizer? Elemental Analysis of Fertilizers: Methods and Importance

Keeping track of the fertilizer quality is essential to ensure a quality crop. According to the experts from leading testing labs in Chennai, fertilizer analysis helps to determine its quality and whether or not the proper nutrient is available to the plant for its growth.

Apart from ensuring the right crop production, fertilizers supplement nutrition to the soil too. They are responsible for increasing soil's water retention capacity while boosting fertility. But sometimes, the improper concentration of nutrients in the fertilizer can hamper plant growth and affect soil fertility. 

The leading fertilizer Analysis Lab recommends elemental analysis of fertilizer to determine its quality. This analysis ensures that the nutrients are present within desired limits to meet the legal criteria. 

The presence of macronutrients like phosphorus, nitrogen, and potassium in fertilizer determines its quality. Besides, the analysis also determines the presence of secondary elements like magnesium, calcium, sulfur, boron, copper, cobalt etc., (present in small amounts). 

The elemental analysis of fertilizers is done using inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectroscopy (ICP-AES), flame atomic absorption spectroscopy (FAAS), and Microwave Plasma Atomic Emission Spectroscopy (MP-AES).

● Inductively Coupled Plasma Atomic Emission Spectroscopy (ICP-AES)

This analytical technique identifies the quantity of nutrients in the fertilizer. Here the atoms are excited using a high-temperature plasma controlled by an electromagnetic field. As various elements have their specific intensity bands, they correspond to the most likely electronic transitions. The calibration curve helps determine the nutrient concentration in the fertilizer by measuring light intensity at various wavelengths.

● Flame Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy (FAAS)

According to the opinion of the professionals of the best testing labs in Chennai, this method is one of the oldest methods of fertilizer testing owing to its simplicity and durability. FAAS is based on the theory that atoms and ions may absorb particular light wavelengths. Here the concentration of the nutrients is determined by measuring the light absorbed by it. 

● Microwave Plasma Atomic Emission Spectroscopy (MP-AES)

This analytical approach is based on rapid sequential emission that uses magnetically linked microwave radiation to build a robust and stable plasma from nitrogen gas. The high temperature of the nitrogen plasma negates many chemical interferences resulting in appropriate nutrient detection.

Importance of elemental analysis

Experts from the fertilizer Analysis Lab mentions the following benefits of elemental analysis:

● It helps in an in-depth understanding of fertilizer quality to improve production

● The analysis ensures high-quality output

● The analysis methods are reliable and highly accurate 

If you are looking for a reliable fertilizer analysis lab, look no further than Tamilnadu Test House. Our expert professionals follow all the standard practices to fetch you the best analysis reports. Contact us now.

Ref

https://www.azocleantech.com/article.aspx?ArticleID=1493

https://www.shimadzu.com/an/industries/environment/soil-fertilizer-waste-material-test/testing-methods/index.html#:~:text=In%20the%20Fertilizer%20Testing%20Method%20developed%20by%20FAMIC%2C%20the%20ion,the%20effects%20of%20contaminating%20components.