IR-spectroscopy: a rapid method to estimate the nitrogen effect and relevant parameters of biocomposts

The suitability of infrared spectroscopy to estimate the short-term nitroge n effect and relevant parameters of biocomposts was investigated. Models we re developed which are based on the infrared spectra (4000-400 cm(-1)) of 8 1 different biocomposts. They enable an estimation of the nitrogen and yiel d effect in a pot trial, and a close prediction of relevant compost paramet ers (C-t, N-t, C-t/N-t, PH5h) A major advantage compared with the conventio nal chemical and biological methods is the simultaneous prediction of the n itrogen and yield effect and relevant parameters from the IR spectrum of an "unknown" compost. In addition, the infrared spectroscopy is considerably more rapid.