The Mobile Soil Analysis Laboratory is a compact,multiparametric photometer designed for use both in the laboratory and in thefield. This device is one of the most advanced photometers available, featuringan innovative optical design that uses a reference detector and focusing lensto eliminate errors caused by light source changes and imperfections in theglass cuvette. The meter includes 9 different pre-programmed measurementmethods for 8 key water quality parameters used to detect plant nutrients. Italso offers an absorbance mode for performance verification, allowing users todevelop their own concentration vs. absorbance curves. The device measuresessential plant nutrients such as potassium, calcium, and magnesium. To savevaluable lab space, the mobile lab also has an option for connecting a pH meterand a pH/temperature electrode (not included).

The Mobile Soil Analysis Laboratory offers an absorbancemeasurement mode that allows the use of CAL Check standards to validate systemperformance. The absorbance mode enables users to select one of threewavelengths (420 nm, 466 nm, and 525 nm) for measurement and to plot their ownconcentration vs. absorbance curves. This feature is useful for users withtheir own chemical methods and for educators teaching the concept of absorbanceusing the Beer-Lambert law. The device includes two USB ports for data transferto a USB drive or computer, as well as for powering the meter. For addedconvenience and portability, the device operates on an internal rechargeable3.7 VDC lithium-polymer battery.

The Mobile Soil Analysis Laboratory works with reagent kitsthat are purchased individually for each parameter being analyzed. Thefollowing parameters can be analyzed:

Parameters Analyzed by the Mobile Laboratory

Parameter	Measurement Range	Precision	Deviation at 25°C	LED (nm)	Method	Reagent for Tests
Ammonia LR	0.00 – 3.00 mg/L (NH3-N)	0.01 mg/L	± 4%	420 nm	Nessler	100 tests
Ammonia MR	0.00 – 10.00 mg/L (NH3-N)	0.01 mg/L	± 5%	420 nm	Nessler	100 tests
Ammonia HR	0.00 – 100.00 mg/L (NH3-N)	0.1 mg/L	± 5%	420 nm	Nessler	100 tests
Calcium	0 – 400 mg/L (Ca2+)	1 mg/L	± 5%	466 nm	Oxalate	50 tests
Iron (II)/(III)	0.00 – 6.00 mg/L Fe	0.01 mg/L	± 2%	525 nm	Phenanthroline	100 tests
Magnesium	0 – 150 mg/L (Mg2+)	1 mg/L	± 3%	466 nm	Calmagite	50 tests
Nitrates	0.0 – 30.0 mg/L (NO-3-N)	0.1 mg/L	± 10%	525 nm	Cadmium Reduction	100 tests
Phosphorus HR	0.0 – 30.0 mg/L (PO4)	0.1 mg/L	± 4%	525 nm	Amino Acid	100 tests
Potassium	0.0 – 20.0 mg/L (K)	0.1 mg/L	± 7%	466 nm	Turbidimetry	100 tests
Sulfur	0 – 150 mg/L (SO4)	1 mg/L	± 5%	466 nm	Turbidimetry	100 tests

In addition, the laboratory is equipped with outputs forconnecting a pH/temperature electrode for analyzing soil pH.