1) Using a closed chamber and a CO2 sensor you can measure the rate of CO2 evolution from soils. Using the change in CO2 ppm over a known time, the ideal gas law, and the headspace of the chamber and surface ares of the soil in the chamber, you can calculate the rate of C evolution from soils (kg C ha-1 day-1). It is important to remember that soil moisture content, air temperature, and soil temperature will have significant affects on C evolution rates. It is best to also collect this metadata so that it can be included into data analysis models.

2) You can use the MultispeQ has a spectrophotometer to measure soil active C using a Potassium Permanganate solution. This method will require you to run blanks (protocol: Active Carbon in Soil blank II) and a calibration project (https://www.photosynq.org/projects/active-soil-c-calibration-calibracion-para-c-activo?hl=Soil+Active+C). Directions for sample preparation can be found here: https://www.photosynq.org/projects/new-nuevo-soil-active-c-c-activo-de-suelos?hl=Soil+Active+C

Dan, thank you. I will be waiting of PQ V.1.0 for spectrophotometer measure of active CO2 and continue to create the chamber for carbon evolution from the soil.

Hi Dan, which CO2 sensor can be attached to the multispeQ? thanks Itay

The best CO2 sensor that we have found to connect to the MultispeQ is the K-30 sensor (http://www.co2meter.com/products/k-30-co2-sensor-module). It has a quicker response time than other sensors we have tried and is pretty inexpensive.

thanks!