Feasibility of Handheld Mid-Infrared Spectroscopy to Predict Particle Size Distribution: Influence of Soil Field Condition and Utilisation of Existing Spectral Libraries

SYNOPSIS

This paper establishes the background for measurement of soil texture in the field using Ziltek’s portable mid-infrared instrument. It discusses how the results can be affected/​degraded by presence of carbonate minerals, sample heterogeneity, varying analytical methods, sample particle size and moisture and the importance of minimising these effects.