Online Soil Dynamic Gas Content Detector

Why measure soil gas flux?

The concentration of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere has been steadily increasing, from approximately 315 ppm (parts per million) in 1959 to an average of approximately 385 ppm (Keeling et al., 2009). The current prediction is that by 2100, the concentration will continue to rise to 500-1000 ppm (IPCC, 2007).

Soil respiration plays a crucial role in regulating carbon cycling in ecosystems and on a global scale. Approximately 120 picograms (Pg) or 120 x 109 tons (t) of carbon are absorbed by terrestrial plants each year and released into the atmosphere through ecosystem respiration. Research has shown that soil respiration releases 77 Pg of carbon into the atmosphere annually, which is more than the carbon emissions caused by anthropogenic sources such as fossil fuel combustion (6 Pg per year). Therefore, small changes in soil respiration can significantly alter atmospheric CO₂Balance between concentration and soil carbon storage. We must also consider that human activities have a significant impact on soil respiration.

CO in soil₂The formation of is influenced by environmental factors such as soil temperature and moisture, as well as biological factors such as aboveground canopy size and growth. The challenge of measurement is to provide an accurate tool that minimizes interference with environmental conditions that affect CO in the soil profile₂Production and transportation have an impact.

For over twenty years, ECHO has been developing systems for measuring CO in different environments₂Flux. Flux CO₂There is a special robotic arm that can reduce interference with environmental conditions. The air inside the chamber is mixed to ensure representative sampling without producing CO that would affect it₂The pressure difference evolved from the soil surface.

Where can soil gas flux be measured?

Urban Environment and Rural Areas

Quantifying the role of urban areas in global carbon budgets, mainly focused on CO₂Short term study of concentration, recording spatial patterns across cities or individual locations. CO in the urban area₂The concentration is higher in rural areas and is considered a result of human activities. However, recording CO₂The actual flux and its diffusion characteristics in urban environments are crucial for assessing potential impacts on climate and biosphere at all scales.

Special applications:

-Land

-Coal industry

-Volcano

-Forest

-Swamp

Soil fluxes in various ecosystems

Soil flux CO₂Or CO₂Removing soil is the main function of soil respiration. Soil respiration reflects the ability of soil to sustain soil life, including crops, soil animals, and microorganisms. It describes the level of microbial activity, soil organic matter (SOM) content, and their decomposition. Measurement also provides and indicates the ability of soil to sustain plant growth. In the absence of additional inputs, depleted SOM, reduced soil aggregation, and limited plant and microbial nutrients can lead to a decrease in crop yield.

Analysis and Control

Long term multi space measurement

The automatic soil gas measurement system can accurately measure CO in soil₂Exchange is very useful for investigation or long-term measurement. CO₂The daily and seasonal patterns of evolution are the result of changes in soil moisture, temperature, carbon resources, and other factors. Long term measurements can be conducted in one location for weeks or months.

Due to the inherent variability of soil, measurements are usually required at multiple locations to obtain reliable average soil CO₂Flux value. To evaluate spatial variability and time measurement, it is possible to multiplex and measure up to four chambers. Modular systems enable researchers to build their customized systems according to their requirements.

Sensor Technology

The humidity, temperature, pressure, and other auxiliary sensors of the soil are built into each chamber, and the wind and rain tight enclosed space system includes:

1）CO₂，H₂O. T, p infrared sensor

2) Auxiliary sensor interface (O)₂、H₂S、CH₄ 、NH₃、 VOC, etc

Airborne data collection

The pneumatic circuit transports the sample gas from the chamber to the control unit. Data analysis is provided by user-friendly software applications. Users can quickly draw meaningful analysis charts to evaluate and manage measurements.

Lithium battery power unit

Each chamber system is powered by an internal battery. The battery is rechargeable. Equipped with an external battery for long-term measurement. The battery can be easily replaced through continuous operation.

Mechanical cavity arm system

Specially designed robotic arm systems can reduce interference from harsh environmental conditions such as wind, snow, precipitation, natural sunlight, and soil.