Improving soil testing accuracy and speed with laser technology

A Canadian company based in the province of Quebec, Logiag Inc., recently received government funding to commercialize a laser-based soil analysis system that replaces the more traditional chemical analyses. This funding will allow the company to introduce a laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS) to the market; a technology that allows for faster and more accurate data at lower cost. The goal is to provide producers with the exact amount of fertilizer needed and thereby avoid the overuse of chemicals. The technology was developed by Logiag in 2015, in collaboration with the National Research Council of Canada (NRC) and the support of its Industrial Research Assistance Program. This investment from the AgriInnovation program, a $698-million initiative under the policy framework, will help Logiag create 45 jobs over five years. (Source: AgAnnex)