<p><strong>As agriculture practices shift to be more sustainable and regenerative, the focus on soil health is growing—soil is no longer seen as just a growing medium, but as a living, teeming ecosystem. At the heart of this transformation is Total Organic Carbon (TOC), a key indicator of soil vitality, fertility, and its ability to sequester carbon from the atmosphere. Measuring soil organic carbon helps growers understand the biological health of their fields and track the effectiveness of regenerative agriculture practices.</strong></p><h3><strong>Why Total Organic Carbon in Soil Matters for Regenerative Agriculture</strong></h3><p>TOC represents the carbon stored in soil organic matter, which plays a vital role in supporting microbial life, improving nutrient availability, and enhancing soil structure. These benefits translate directly into better water retention, reduced erosion, and more resilient crops—all essential outcomes for regenerative systems aiming to restore ecosystems while maintaining productivity.</p><p>TOC is also central to carbon sequestration within soils, a cornerstone of climate-smart agriculture. By increasing organic carbon in soils, farmers can help to store carbon from the atmosphere while also improving long-term soil fertility. Practices like intensive tillage or overharvesting can deplete organic carbon in soil. That’s why routine, precise analysis is essential for maintaining and improving soil health over time.</p><h3><strong>TOC Analysis: A Critical Step Toward Smarter Soil Management</strong></h3><p>To harness the benefits of organic carbon, growers must first understand how much is present in their soil. Regular TOC analysis allows farmers to:</p><ul><li>Track the impact of regenerative practices like cover cropping, reduced tillage, and compost application.</li><li>Optimize soil amendments to build organic matter without over-applying inputs.</li><li>Monitor carbon sequestration progress as part of sustainability or carbon programs.</li></ul><h3><strong>Fast, Accurate TOC Analysis with LECO Solutions</strong></h3><p>The most common method for determining total organic carbon in soil is&nbsp;acid digestion combustion, where inorganic carbon is removed via acid treatment, leaving only the organic fraction for analysis. <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://icpms.labrulez.com/products/1883"><strong>LECO’s&nbsp;832 Series</strong>&nbsp;</a>streamlines this process with a high-efficiency combustion furnace and advanced IR detection, delivering&nbsp;fast, accurate, and reproducible results. To further enhance efficiency, <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.leco.com/documents/209-141-005/"><strong>LECO’s&nbsp;Non-Porous Ceramic Boats&nbsp;</strong></a>allow acid treatment to occur directly in the combustion vessel, eliminating the need for multiple transfers and reducing the risk of contamination or loss.</p><p><img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/LECO_rada_832_Analyza_spalovanim_pro_stanoveni_siry_a_uhliku_3_0ad3a64b2b.jpg" alt="LECO: The Importance of Analyzing Total Organic Carbon in Soil in Regenerative Agriculture: LECO 832 Series Combustion analysis for Sulfur and Carbon determination" srcset="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/thumbnail_LECO_rada_832_Analyza_spalovanim_pro_stanoveni_siry_a_uhliku_3_0ad3a64b2b.jpg 139w," sizes="100vw" width="679" height="760"></p><h3><strong>Supporting the Future of Sustainable, Regenerative Agriculture</strong></h3><p>As regenerative agriculture continues to expand, so does the need for&nbsp;high-throughput, reliable TOC analysis. Whether you’re managing a research lab, supporting carbon farming initiatives, or simply working to improve your&nbsp;soil, LECO’s solutions are designed to meet the demands of modern, sustainability-focused agriculture.</p><p>If you’re interested in learning more about determining total organic carbon, you can read our application note <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://icpms.labrulez.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/C832_TOTAL_ORGANIC_CARBON_SOIL_ROCK_SHALE_203_821_679_b48939f659.pdf"><strong>“Determination of Total Carbon (TC) and Total Organic Carbon (TOC) in Soil by Acid Digestion and Combustion”</strong></a>, which discusses analysis methods and the advantages of using a<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://icpms.labrulez.com/products/1883"><strong> C832 Carbon Analyzer</strong></a>.</p>

The Importance of Analyzing Total Organic Carbon in Soil in Regenerative Agriculture

Direct Characterization of Halogen-Based Microplastics via Single-Event ICP-Mass Spectrometry in Negative-Ion Mode

<p><strong>In the week from August 24, the following webinars await you in the field of atomic and molecular spectroscopy and spectrometry</strong></p><blockquote><h4><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://icpms.labrulez.com/webinars"><strong>👉 DETAILS AND REGISTRATION IN THE WEBINARS SECTION</strong></a></h4><p><strong>👉 Search and filter in the largest global database</strong> with over <strong>5 500 GC, LC, MS and spectroscopy webinars</strong>.</p></blockquote><h5><strong>1. Waters Corporation: Foundations of a Sustainable, High-Performing QA Program</strong></h5><ul><li>We, 26.8.2026 17:00 CEST</li><li><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://icpms.labrulez.com/webinar/6448">Registration</a></li></ul><p>Build a sustainable, high-performing QA program in your lab. Learn the four pillars of data quality: method validation, analyst competency, control charting, and certified reference materials.</p><h5><strong>2. Agilent Technologies: Absolute Specular Reflectance made Easy in UV-Vis-NIR</strong></h5><ul><li>Th, 27.8.2026 20:00 CEST</li><li><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://icpms.labrulez.com/webinar/6439">Registration</a></li></ul><p>Learn how the Cary 7000 enables accurate specular reflectance and transmission measurements without swapping accessories, supporting fast and precise testing at different angles in UV-Vis-NIR.</p>

Webinars LabRulezICPMS Week 35/2026

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LabRulez

In 1936, the Laboratory Equipment Company introduced the first rapid carbon determinator for the American iron and steel industry.  Today, almost 80 years later, LECO is recognized globally as a leader in the development of high-quality analytical instrumentation, mass spectrometers, comprehensive two-dimensional chromatography, metallography & optical equipment as well as consumables.

LECO

LECO GDS950 Extended Range Glow Discharge Atomic Emission Spectrometer

GDS950 is a glow discharge spectrometer for bulk elemental analysis and depth profiling of conductive and non-conductive solids, combining high-resolution optics with Cornerstone software for efficient, reliable results.

<p><strong>The GDS950 Glow Discharge Spectrometer delivers advanced technology for routine elemental analysis and compositional depth profiling of both electrically conductive and non-conductive solid materials. By combining robust hardware with intuitive Cornerstone® software, the GDS950 simplifies operation, reporting, and data handling while reducing overall analysis time in the laboratory.</strong></p><p><img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/LECO_GDS_950_Atomovy_emisni_spektrometr_s_doutnavym_vybojem_s_rozsirenym_rozsahem_b7ff6d66f6.jpg" alt="LECO: GDS950 Extended Range Glow Discharge Atomic Emission Spectrometer" srcset="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/thumbnail_LECO_GDS_950_Atomovy_emisni_spektrometr_s_doutnavym_vybojem_s_rozsirenym_rozsahem_b7ff6d66f6.jpg 190w," sizes="100vw" width="1824" height="1500"></p><h4><strong>Key Features</strong></h4><h5><strong>Glow Discharge Source Advantages</strong></h5><ul><li>Simple, linear calibrations compared with alternative excitation sources</li><li>Controlled excitation occurring away from the sample surface</li><li>Reduced consumption of reference materials</li><li>Automatic source cleaning between analyses to minimize matrix effects and improve analytical performance</li></ul><h5><strong>Detection System Performance</strong></h5><ul><li>Full wavelength coverage from <strong>120 to 460 nm</strong></li><li>High spectral resolution of <strong>30 pm (0.030 nm)</strong> to resolve complex spectral features</li><li>Stable and flexible CCD-based detection system</li></ul><h5><strong>Optional CDP (Compositional Depth Profiling)</strong></h5><ul><li>Enables depth-resolved elemental analysis of solid materials</li><li>Ideal for plating, galvanizing, cladding, and surface heat treatments</li><li>Seamlessly integrated within Cornerstone software for simplified analysis and reporting</li></ul><p><img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/LECO_GDS_950_Atomovy_emisni_spektrometr_s_doutnavym_vybojem_s_rozsirenym_rozsahem_2_512aa03c89.jpg" alt="LECO: GDS950 Extended Range Glow Discharge Atomic Emission Spectrometer" srcset="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/thumbnail_LECO_GDS_950_Atomovy_emisni_spektrometr_s_doutnavym_vybojem_s_rozsirenym_rozsahem_2_512aa03c89.jpg 245w," sizes="100vw" width="1345" height="433"></p><h4><strong>Applications</strong></h4><p>The GDS950 is well suited for bulk elemental determination in metals and other solid materials such as steel, cast iron, titanium, and related alloys. With the optional CDP capability, the system supports depth profile analysis of surface treatments including galvanizing, plating, heat treatment layers, and claddings. When equipped with the optional DC/RF lamp configuration, the analytical scope expands to include electrically non-conductive materials such as paints, glass, plastics, and other coated or polymeric solids.</p><h4><strong>Theory of Operation</strong></h4><p>Glow Discharge Spectrometry (GDS) is a direct analytical technique for determining the elemental composition of solid samples. A flat, prepared sample is mounted on the glow discharge source, which is evacuated and then backfilled with argon gas. An electric field is applied between the sample, acting as the cathode, and the grounded lamp body, serving as the anode, resulting in a stable, self-sustained glow discharge plasma.</p><p>The applied current is controlled by the power supply, while lamp voltage is stabilized through regulation of the argon pressure. Once the plasma is formed, argon ions are accelerated toward the sample surface. Through cathodic sputtering, kinetic energy is transferred to surface atoms, ejecting them into the plasma.</p><p>Models equipped with the optional radio frequency (RF) source use RF energy instead of direct current to sustain the plasma. LECO’s proprietary True Plasma Power algorithm compensates for radiated and reflected power losses, enabling accurate quantitative bulk analysis and depth profiling of both conductive and non-conductive samples.</p><p>Ejected atoms undergo inelastic collisions with energetic electrons or metastable argon atoms, becoming electronically excited. As these atoms return to lower energy states, they emit photons at wavelengths characteristic of each element. Because every element has a unique emission spectrum, elemental identification is achieved through spectrochemical signatures.</p><p>The emitted light is collected by a spectrometer whose optical system is continuously purged with argon to maintain transparency across the ultraviolet and visible range. CCD detector arrays capture the full spectrum from 120 to 460 nm simultaneously. The resulting signals are digitized and processed to remove dark current, normalize pixel response, extend dynamic range, and eliminate pixel artifacts. Quantitative results are obtained by calibrating against reference materials of known composition.</p>

LECO GDS900 Glow Discharge Atomic Emission Spectrometer

GDS900 is a glow discharge spectrometer for fast, reliable bulk elemental and optional depth profiling analysis of conductive solids, combining high resolution optics with intuitive Cornerstone software.

<p><strong>The GDS900 Glow Discharge Spectrometer delivers advanced, reliable technology for routine elemental determination in electrically conductive solid materials. Designed for high-performance industrial and laboratory environments, the GDS900 combines robust hardware with intuitive Cornerstone® software to simplify operation, reporting, and data handling while reducing overall analysis time.</strong></p><h4><strong>Key Features</strong></h4><h5><strong>Glow Discharge Source Advantages</strong></h5><ul><li>Simple, linear calibrations compared to alternative excitation sources</li><li>Controlled excitation occurring away from the sample surface</li><li>Reduced consumption of reference materials</li><li>Automatic source cleaning between analyses to save time and minimize matrix effects</li><li>Improved analytical performance and reproducibility</li></ul><h5><strong>Detection System Performance</strong></h5><ul><li>Full wavelength coverage from <strong>160 to 460 nm</strong></li><li>High spectral resolution of <strong>50 pm (0.050 nm)</strong> for resolving complex spectral features</li><li>Stable, flexible detection platform based on CCD array technology</li></ul><h5><strong>Optional CDP (Compositional Depth Profiling) Capability</strong></h5><ul><li>Enables depth-resolved elemental analysis of conductive solids</li><li>Ideal for applications such as plating, galvanizing, cladding, and surface heat treatments</li></ul><p><img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/LECO_GDS_900_Atomovy_emisni_spektrometr_s_doutnavym_vybojem_1878a3a2c6.jpg" alt="LECO: GDS900 Glow Discharge Atomic Emission Spectrometer" srcset="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/thumbnail_LECO_GDS_900_Atomovy_emisni_spektrometr_s_doutnavym_vybojem_1878a3a2c6.jpg 235w," sizes="100vw" width="600" height="399"></p><h4><strong>Applications</strong></h4><p>The GDS900 is optimized for bulk elemental analysis of conductive solid materials, including steel, cast iron, titanium, and other metals. When equipped with the CDP option, it also supports compositional depth profiling of treated surfaces such as galvanizing layers, plated coatings, claddings, and heat-treated materials.</p><h4><strong>Theory of Operation</strong></h4><p>Glow Discharge Spectrometry (GDS) is a direct analytical technique for determining the elemental composition of solid samples. A flat, prepared sample is mounted onto the glow discharge source, which is evacuated and then filled with argon gas. An electric field is applied between the sample, acting as the cathode, and the grounded lamp body, serving as the anode.</p><p>This setup generates a stable, self-sustained glow discharge plasma. Argon ions formed in the plasma are accelerated toward the sample surface, where they transfer kinetic energy to surface atoms through cathodic sputtering. These atoms are ejected into the plasma and become excited through collisions with energetic electrons or metastable argon atoms.</p><p>As the excited atoms return to lower energy states, they emit photons at characteristic wavelengths unique to each element. The emitted light is collected by a spectrometer whose optical system is continuously purged with argon to maintain transparency across the ultraviolet and visible range.</p><p>Photosensitive CCD detector arrays capture the full emission spectrum from 160 to 460 nm simultaneously. The resulting signals are digitized and processed to correct for dark current, normalize pixel response, extend dynamic range, and eliminate pixel artifacts. Since emitted photon intensity is proportional to elemental concentration, quantitative results are obtained through calibration with certified reference materials.</p><h4><strong>Models</strong></h4><h5><strong>GDS900DCBO</strong></h5><ul><li>DC lamp for electrically conductive samples</li><li>Bulk elemental analysis</li><li>Rotary vane pump</li></ul><h5><strong>GDS900DCEXBO</strong></h5><ul><li>DC lamp for electrically conductive samples</li><li>Bulk elemental analysis with extended wavelength range</li><li>Rotary vane pump</li></ul><h5><strong>GDS900DCQO</strong></h5><ul><li>DC lamp for electrically conductive samples</li><li>Bulk elemental and CDP analysis</li><li>Rotary vane pump</li></ul><h5><strong>GDS900DCQEXO</strong></h5><ul><li>DC lamp for electrically conductive samples</li><li>Bulk elemental and CDP analysis with extended wavelength range</li><li>Rotary vane pump</li></ul><h4><strong>Options</strong></h4><ul><li>Integrated desk or mobile workstation</li><li>High-purity gas regulators</li><li>Vacuum pump sound abatement enclosure</li></ul>

Products from category GD-AES - page 1

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