Multiple-Input Data Acquisition System (MIDAS) for Measuring the Carbon Content in Soil Using Inelastic Neutron Scattering

75574-Soil management has been suggested as a method for sequestering massive amounts of carbon, in order to mitigate the buildup of CO2 as an atmospheric greenhouse gas. In order to evaluate such schemes and document their performance, it will be necessary to quantifying changes in soil carbon stocks. However, current methods for quantifying carbon in soils (by core sampling, infra-red and LIBS spectroscopy) are invasive, slow, and relatively expensive. This project will develop a new non-invasive technology, Inelastic Neutron Scattering (INS), for static and dynamic in situ carbon monitoring in soil, which will speed up the rate of analysis at reduced cost and improve sampling statistics. The instrument will employ up to 16 gamma-ray detectors in a cost effective manner. Phase I will upgrade an existing exploratory system at Brookhaven National Laboratory (BNL) with new multi-channel data acquisition electronics, leading to a small, low power device, which will be compatible with field use. Performance evaluations at BNL will be used to design a commercial prototype in Phase II. Commercial Applications and Other Benefits as described by the awardee: The INS system should be a major advance over core sampling and laboratory analysis. Applications include: (1) monitoring soil for carbon sequestration, (2) improved soil management for agriculture (e.g., till versus no-till), and (3) advances in carbon cycle science (in agronomics, forest science, and ecology) by the rapid measurement of soil carbon on large scales.