Principles, developments and applications of laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy in agriculture: A review

Abstract

Considering the diversity of soil contents, quality and usability, a systematic scientific study on the elemental and chemical composition (major and minor nutrients elements, trace elements, heavy metals, etc.) of soil is very important. Rapid and accurate detection and prevention of soil contamination (mainly in pollutants of heavy metals) is deemed to be a concerned and serious central issue in modern agriculture and agricultural sustainable development. In order to study the chemical composition of soil, laser induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS) has been applied recently. LIBS technology, a kind of atomic emission spectroscopy, is regarded as a future “Superstar” in the field of chemical analysis and green analytical techniques. In this work, the research achievements and trends of soil elements detection based on LIBS technology were reviewed. The structural composition and operating principle of LIBS system was briefly introduced. The paper offered a review of LIBS applications, including detection and analysis of major element, minor nutrient element and heavy metal element. Simultaneously, LIBS applications to analysis of the soil related materials, plants-related issues (nutrients, pesticide residues, and plants disease) were briefly summarized. The research tendency and developing prospects of LIBS in agriculture were presented at last.