Progress 09/01/07 to 08/31/08
Outputs
OUTPUTS: The QuickChem 850 has allowed a quick and reliable analysis so that the waiting period between sampling and analysis has been significantly reduced. The acquisition of this new sophisticated, reliable and fast instrument has allowed the AES researchers to become more competitive and to venture into new research areas. The knowledge that there is such a versatile and accurate instrument has inspired researchers to get involved in different areas of research and possibly into interdisciplinary and multidisciplinary type of projects. These new research areas include the evaluation of heavy metals in water and sediments, determination of organic acids in organic amendments, and fate of fertilizer nitrate and phosphorus in the environment. PARTICIPANTS: Most of the personnel of the College of Agricultural Sciences of the University of Puerto Rico have been involved in this project and the use of this new instrument. Among the projects involved is Hatch funds project H-399, Evaluation of Crops of Economic Importance in Puerto Rico. Two of the most important tools for this type of research are soil and plant chemical analyses. Of special interest is the analysis of nitrate, ammonium, total nitrogen and phosphorus. Because of the nature of the project, a great number of samples have been collected and analyzed. The QuickChem 8500 has allowed a quick and reliable analysis in which the waiting period between sampling and analysis has been significantly reduced. A second project, TSTAR-96, entitled Micronutrient Evaluation in Highly Weathered Soils of the Tropics, involves the evaluation of boron, iron and zinc in plantain and root crops in tropical soils. Boron analysis with hot water extraction is a complicated method and not very reliable. Iron and zinc can be analyzed by atomic absorption; however, the QuickChem 8500 will permit an easier and quicker more specific way of analysis with the use of only one sample. The Soil Chemistry Program has two major projects that have benefit, USDA- MS-13, Soil Organic Matter and Nutrient Dynamics in a Coffea arabica-Pithecellobium carbonarium Agroforestry System, and USDA-TSTAR-114, Quality protein maize for swine production in Puerto Rico. Project MS-13 evaluates organic matter accumulation in an agro-forestry system and its relationship to soil acidity and micronutrient availability. TARGET AUDIENCES: Researchers of the College of Agricultural Sciences - Leaders of research projects have always been the main target audience for the use of the Central Analytical Laboratory and its instruments. Farmers- As state environmental regulations change, the need for low cost and reliable chemical analyses increases. The CAL provides farmers with the most reliable instrument and analyses. Students- Graduate and undergraduate students have benefit from sending samples to the CAL for analyses. In addition, the Universidad del Turabo approached the Central Analytical Laboratory for a possible agreement with UPRM and the AES. The agreement will involve the use of the QuickChem 8500 by the students of the Universidad del Turabo. PROJECT MODIFICATIONS: Not relevant to this project.
Impacts
The flow injection analysis system and ion chromatography are complementary analytical techniques that are commonly used in laboratories. Incorporating both techniques into one single instrument has allowed the laboratory to achieve a simultaneous and independent operation of both systems on the same platform. This new instrument has not only aid in ongoing research at Agricultural Experiment Station but, since new analytical manifolds have been purchased, the AES researchers have become more competitive and have ventured into new research areas. The knowledge that there is such a versatile and accurate instrument available has inspired researchers to get involved in different areas of research, and into interdisciplinary and multidisciplinary type of projects. The acquisition of this instrument has also benefited farmers that need fast and reliable analysis for their agricultural and environmental needs. The Puerto Rico Department of Natural Resources and Environment requires chemical analysis of the water before approving a permit for its agricultural uses. The Central Analytical Laboratory (CAL) has analyzed over 100 water samples from different clients requiring nitrate, phosphate and other analytes in order to get their permit. An increase is expected in this number as a result of the promotional activities carried out by the CAL personnel.
Publications
- No publications reported this period
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