Back to Capacity: Replacement of a 20-year Old Non-servicable Automated Gas Chromatograph for the Determination of Greenhouse Gas Emissions from Agriculture

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Dr. Tenuta's Applied Soil Ecology Laboratory has fully utilized two automated gas chromatographs since 2005 for the determination of the emissions of the greenhouse gases nitrous oxide, methane, and carbon dioxide from agricultural soils and manure. Recently, the oldest of the instruments purchased in 1999 became inoperable and past its serviceable lifespan. Dr. Tenuta's lab urgently requires replacement of the system to analyze a backlog of samples collected this year and to start new funded projects dependent on the collection of even a greater number of samples next year. Other instrumentation is not available at the University, and commercial services are unavailable. The proposed instrument is similar in configuration to the one it replaces as the needs of gas analysis and sample handling have not changed. The instrument is configured for high throughput with an autosampler and capable of analysis of 250 samples per day of air-tight sample vials. The three most important greenhouse gases for agriculture are analyzed simultaneously as the instrument is equipped with detectors for each gas. The lab strives to Better Soil Nitrogen Use Towards Improved Crop and Environmental Health. A keystone of the research is the comparison of farmer management practices that reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The primary method employed to determine emissions is the collection of gases accumulated within chambers on the soil or manure pile surfaces. The gas chromatograph is ideally suited to high throughput analysis of the gases stored in glass vials. The instrument is also central to the training of students and other highly qualified personnel in the operation, analysis and quality control of gas concentration results. The operation and results from the instrument bring full circle the training of HQP from hypothesis generation, setup, and maintenance of field study sites and treatments, gas collection, gas chromatograph operation and analysis, processing of gas results to emission rates, statistical analyses, and conclusion to hypotheses and communication of findings. A per sample analysis fee for each of the lab's samples and those of his collaborators supports the operational readiness of the instrument as well as training in the use of the instrument and its results. An anticipated eight graduate and nine undergraduate students and two post-doctoral fellows will benefit from the instrument being central to their training in Dr. Tenuta's lab. He is highly committed to fostering the removal of barriers facing women and minorities in the soil sciences. This includes providing training in the use of the instrument regardless of a student's gender, race, and beliefs. Training on the instrument is tailored to the individual's confidence and experience in the previous operation of scientific equipment bringing all to a level of familiarity and sureness to benefit their emerging careers.