This workshop is an optional, full-day series of four technical trainings from leaders in agricultural science technologies.

Conference attendees may add-on the Workshop for an additional $100 during the registration process. If you have already registered, you can add the workshop by sending your request to info@isspasymposium.org. Capacity is limited to 30 people. Lunch is provided courtesy of the Agricultural Laboratory Testing Association (ALTA).

Please note: All workshop sessions will take place at the Durham Hotel Mezzanine room.

 

9:00 a.m.

Precision Starts with Preparation: Improving Analytical Outcomes Through Effective Sample Preparation

By: Milling & Sizing, Inc.

Reliable analytical data begins with well-prepared samples. This workshop will emphasize the often-underestimated role of sample preparation in ensuring quality analytical results. Materials vary in physical properties, even within similar applications, making the selection of the right milling principle crucial for effective preparation and material integrity.

Attendees can participate in hands-on demonstrations using advanced milling and particle characterization equipment. Through practical examples participants will learn how sample properties are affected by milling principles, gain strategies for reducing variability, and increase confidence in analytical outcomes.

Because no matter how sophisticated the method, results are only as sound as the sample provided.

 

 

10:30 a.m.

Determination of Total Carbon, Total Organic Carbon, and Nitrogen in Soil Using Various Instrumental Combustion Methods

Determining carbon and nitrogen in soil is essential for evaluating soil health, input requirements, and fertility. This workshop will address methods for determining total carbon (TC), total organic carbon (TOC), and nitrogen in soil. LECO instruments provide various approaches for TOC determination through combustion analysis. One method utilizes temperature differentiation to distinguish between organic and inorganic carbon, while another method applies an acid treatment to eliminate inorganic carbonates before measuring the remaining carbon. Depending on the instrument employed, nitrogen determination can also be achieved in conjunction with TC measurements. The choice and method of acid treatment—usually hydrochloric or sulfurous acid—impacts both the analytical workflow and instrument maintenance. LECO instruments suitable for TC and TOC determination include the 612, 832, 928, 828, 744, and 844 series. The workshop will provide a comprehensive review of the advantages and limitations associated with each platform.

 

1:00 p.m.

Getting the Most From Your ICP  

ESI is the world leader in sample introduction and automation for ICP and ICP-MS for all types of elemental analysis.  Our expertise and product range spans from sample introduction components to automated speciation, laser ablation and online monitoring.  Join us for a workshop in which we will discuss ICP method development, liquid reagent handling, autosamplers, increased speed on all major ICP brands.

 

 

2:30 p.m.

Accelerate to Win with Foss Micral™ - High Throughput, Cost-efficient Element Analysis for Agricultural Applications Using Laser Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy (LIBS)

Micral™ is FOSS' innovative solution redefining the concept of high throughput for agricultural labs by dramatically speeding up the test capacity in element analysis. Based on Laser Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy (LIBS), Micral provides pre­cision quantitative testing of 6 macro elements: Calcium (Ca), magnesium (Mg), phosphorus (P), potassium (K), sodium (Na), sulfur (S) and 6 micro elements: Aluminum (AI), boron (B), copper (Cu), iron (Fe), manganese (Mn), zinc (Zn).