Comparative study of atomic absorption spectroscopy and UV-visible spectroscopy techniques for assessing the availability levels of potassium in soil used for growing jasmine rice in Northeast Thailand
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Abstract
Background and Objective: Rapid and accurate assessment of plant-available potassium (K) in soils using appropriate extractants and analytical techniques is essential for effective potassium fertilizer management. This study aimed to compare the performance of four soil extractants—1 M NH4OAc, Bray II, Mehlich I, and 0.01 M CaCl2—combined with two analytical methods, atomic absorption spectroscopy (AAS) and UV-visible spectroscopy (UV-Vis), to evaluate their potential for use in low-cost, field-adaptable soil K test kits. The novelty of this research lies in verifying the agreement between the UV-Vis method and the standard AAS method, particularly with extractants free from interfering ions, to support the practical application in Thai agricultural contexts.
Methodology: A total of 178 soil samples were collected from jasmine rice cultivation areas in Northeast Thailand. Extractable potassium was measured using both AAS and UV-Vis, and statistical analyses were performed to evaluate correlations and cost-effectiveness.
Main Results: Most soil samples contained potassium predominantly in non-exchangeable forms. UV-Vis measurements using Mehlich I and CaCl2 extractants showed strong correlation with AAS values (r = 0.93 and 0.89, respectively). UV-Vis also offered lower analytical costs (1.54 THB per analysis) compared to AAS (2.05 THB). However, a key limitation was observed when using UV-Vis with extractants containing ammonium ions (NH4+), such as NH4OAc and Bray II, due to turbidity interference.
Conclusions: UV-Vis spectroscopy, when combined with Mehlich I and CaCl2extractants, is a promising alternative for developing cost-effective, rapid, and accurate soil K test kits suitable for field use, supporting site-specific fertilizer recommendations.
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