ProbeField: A novel protocol for robust in field monitoring of carbon stock and soil fertility based on proximal sensors and existing soil spectral libraries

Quick and simple soil analyses directly in the field through proximal sensing has the potential to substantially gear up the number of samples analysed. With focus on visible and near infrared spectroscopy (Vis-NIRS) ProbeField will work to make this happen. The Vis-NIR technique has many advantages required for field analyses of soil properties. There are, however, drawbacks to be overcome. In contrast to spectroscopy in the lab on prepared samples, variable moisture and structure in the field will hamper reliability of analyses. ProbeField will test and suggest physical and mathematical procedure to manage these problems. A wide range of soil properties will be analysed and 3D mapping will be performed to estimate for example carbon stocks. A best practice protocol will be produced.