Nature Conservation, Agriculture and Animal Nutrition
NDE in Agriculture and Animal Nutrition
Agriculture forms the backbone of every economy. From the seeds to the final produce, each step in the process is extremely important. NDE can be effectively used in agriculture and its various sectors for research and quality management purposes.
Various instances where NDE can effectively be used include, but are not limited to:
- Radiographic Testing of seeds for determination of quality
- Radiographic Testing during hybridization studies
- Material analyses of metals and metallic origin components
- Material analyses of soils and various constituent elements and minerals
- Determination of water retention capacity of soils
- Determination of water contamination and oil contamination
NDE in Nature Conservation
Nature, and natural resources, are an integral part of life. Everything in and around life depends upon, evolves with, and is impacted by nature. Likewise, human actions and activities have their own impact on nature and natural resources. Such impacts could include pollution, change in properties and so on.
Certain applications of NDE in nature conservation include, but are not limited to:
- Analyses of soils
- Analyses of plants and their conditions
- Radiographic Testing of plants and trees for determination of parasitic attack or rottening
- Determination of internal condition of decay and deterioration
- Determination of water contamination
- Determination of presence of chemicals and other such contaminants in an ecosystem
Computerized and Digital Radiography (CR/DR)
Computerized (CR) and Digital (DR) are modern types of Radiographic Testing. CR makes the use of a Phosphor Imaging Plate to obtain a digital image. CR uses a cassette based system like conventional film radiography, and can be considered to be a bridge between conventional film radiography and digital radiography. Certain advantages include low initial investment and the availability of various sizes enabling flexibility.
DR uses a Digital X-ray detector to automatically acquire images and transfer them to a computer for viewing. It is capable of fixed or mobile use. Certain advantages include faster image capture, better quality images and high-volume capacity.
Both CR and DR can be used for determination of internal structures and conditions of various samples. They can also be used to determine the water retention capacity of soil, with the right experimental setup.
Typical Applications
Determination of condition and internal structure of various samples. Determination of water retention capacity of soil.
Raman Spectroscopy
Raman Spectroscopy is a non-destructive chemical analysis technique which provides detailed information about chemical structure, phase and polymorphy, crystallinity and molecular interactions. It is based upon the interaction of light with the chemical bonds within a material.
Typically, a sample is illuminated with a laser beam. Electromagnetic radiation from the illuminated spot is collected with a lens and sent through a monochromator. Elastic scattered radiation at the wavelength corresponding to the laser line is filtered out by either a notch filter, edge pass filter, or a band pass filter, while the rest of the collected light is dispersed onto a detector. A Raman spectrum is a distinct chemical fingerprint for a particular molecule or material, and can be used to very quickly identify the material, or distinguish it from others.
Typical Applications
Identification of constituent materials (compounds), fingerprinting and comparison between known and unknown samples. Applicable for non-metals such as paints, medicines, paper, precious stones, geological stone samples and so on. Also applicable for determination of water or oil contamination.
X-Ray Fluorescence Spectrometry (XRF) – Metals
X-Ray Fluorescence Spectroscopy (XRF) is a Positive Material Identification (PMI) Technique. PMI is useful in determining the constituents of any item, without causing any damage or loss of utility of the item.
Based on the principle that individual atoms, when excited by an external energy source, emit X-ray photons of different characteristic wavelengths. Analysis of the intensity and actual wavelengths of these photons provides information regarding the composition and individual concentration of various elements in the item tested.
XRF is suitable to inspect metals and alloys in a quick and reliable manner, in a time of around 30 seconds.
Typical Applications
Determination of metallic content in various samples.
X-Ray Fluorescence Spectrometry (XRF) – Soils and Minerals
X-Ray Fluorescence Spectroscopy (XRF) is a Positive Material Identification (PMI) Technique. PMI is useful in determining the constituents of any item, without causing any damage or loss of utility of the item.
Based on the principle that individual atoms, when excited by an external energy source, emit X-ray photons of different characteristic wavelengths. Analysis of the intensity and actual wavelengths of these photons provides information regarding the composition and individual concentration of various elements in the item tested.
With an upgraded software, conventional XRF for metals can also be used for determination of elemental and oxide content of various constituents, in a time of 60 seconds.
Typical Applications
Determination of elemental and mineral content in various types of soil,
fertilizers and other samples.
Soil Property Determination including NPK
Soil property determination involves determination of various properties of soil. Up to seven properties can be determined using a single equipment. These properties include Nitrogen (N), Phosphate (P), Potassium (K) pH value, Electrical Conductivity (EC), Humidity and Temperature.
The values of these properties determine the various nutrients in the soil, along with helping in determine additional nutrients and fertilizers that would need to be added or removed.
Typical Applications
Determination of N, P, K values and other properties of soil and fertilizers for better productivity of plants and crops.
Underground Endoscopy
Various animals live in holes and burrows underground. The roots of various plants and trees grow deep into the ground. As such, during various operations, it may be necessary to determine the presence or absence of animals in the burrows. It may also be necessary to inspect the depths of the soil to determine the extent of root growth, or to check the condition and quality of the soil.
Underground endoscopy makes use of borescopes and videoscopes that can be inserted in various tunnels, holes and burrows, to inspect the condition inside. Visible, ultraviolet and infrared thermal cameras are available.
Typical Applications
Inspection of bores, holes, burrows and tunnels underground, for determination of presence or absence of animals, water etc.
Drone Surveying
Certain areas are very large in size. As such, carrying out detailed visual survey and inspection of such areas becomes cumbersome and time consuming. Drones can be successfully used to scan and map the required area, with the operator standing in once place.
Visual as well as thermal drones are available, depending on the requirements. A visual map can be made of the entire area under question. Likewise, a thermal analysis can be made in case situations such as heat retention, presence of animals are required to be determined
Typical Applications
Survey and mapping of large areas, which may be cumbersome and time consuming to scan using conventional visual techniques.