Abstract
Nutrient analysis is used to estimate nutrient content of crop plants to manage fertilizer application for sustained crop production. Direct solid analysis of agricultural and environmental samples by energy dispersive X-ray fluorescence spectrometry (EDXRF) was chosen as alternative technique to evaluate the simultaneous multielemental quantification of the most important essential elements in coffee (Coffea arabica L.) plants. Inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectrometry and certified reference materials made from leaves were used to calibrate and check the trueness of EDXRF method for the determination of the concentration of several nutrients in coffee leaves and branches. Fluorescence spectrometry proved to be advantageous and presented low cost as loose powder samples could be used. Samples collected from a field experiment where coffee plants were treated with excess of Ni and Zn were used to verify the practical application of the method. Good relationships were achieved between certified values and data obtained by EDXRF, with recoveries ranging from 82 to 117 %.
Highlights
The nutritional status of crops is governed by the geochemical features of the soil, the capacity of plants to accumulate elements, environmental pollution and fertilization (Queralt et al, 2005)
Coupled plasma atomic emission spectrometry and certified reference materials made from leaves were used to calibrate and check the trueness of energy dispersive X-ray fluorescence spectrometry (EDXRF) method for the determination of the concentration of several nutrients in coffee leaves and branches
Good relationships were achieved between certified values and data obtained by EDXRF, with recoveries ranging from 82 to 117 %
Summary
The nutritional status of crops is governed by the geochemical features of the soil, the capacity of plants to accumulate elements (nutrients), environmental pollution and fertilization (Queralt et al, 2005). ICP-MS has been mainly used for trace elements These methods require complete sample matrix destruction by dry ashing (combustion of the sample) or wet ashing (digestion with strong acids). Studies on the suitability of other methods for direct and multi-elemental analysis of plant samples have been increased and X-ray fluorescence (XRF) is a promising technique for nutrient plant analysis (Clark et al, 1992; Frank et al, 1992; Miah et al, 1999). Most X-ray fluorescence (XRF) techniques comply with desired features for analysis of plant specimens, including: (i) possibility of performing analysis directly on solid samples; (ii) multi-element capability; (iii) possibility of performing qualitative, semi-quantitative and quantitative determinations; (iv) a wide dynamic range; (v) high throughput; and (vi) low cost per determination (Marguí et al, 2009). This study aimed to describe and calibrate the application of an expeditious EDXRF (Energy dispersive Xray fluorescence) method to determine the levels of P, K, Ca, Mg, Cu, Fe, Mn, Ni and Zn in loose powder obtained from leaves and branches of coffee plants
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