The Q-Box SR1LP Soil Respiration Package provides the user with all of the materials required to measure soil respiration using an open-flow gas exchange system when the rate of respiration is high, or as a closed-flow recirculation system when the rate of respiration is low.  The Battery Pack and Charger allow the use of the package in the field conditions.  Air is pumped at a known flow rate through the soil chamber and sensors.  The concentration of CO2 in the air is determined using the Q-S151 CO2 Analyzer.   In the open-flow system the difference in CO2 concentration entering the flow through the cuvette holding the soil sample and exiting it is used to calculate the rate of respiration.  In a closed-flow system the initial rate of CO2 accumulation in the soil chamber (placed on top of the soil surface) is used to determine the rate of respiration. 

 In addition to soil respiration Q-Box SR1LP package allows measurements of soil temperature with the S132 temperature probe and water loss from the soil with the S161 Temperature/Relative Humidity sensor.  The flow through the system is monitored by the Q-G266 Flow Monitor.  The Analog signals from all of the sensors and analyzers are converted to digital signals via two integrated LabQuest mini interfaces (6 channels).  Data is displayed, recorded and manipulated on a PC or Macintosh computer using Logger Pro software.

The Q-Box SR1LP Soil Respiration Package includes:

• Q-P651 Gas Pump (!L/min no load)
• G180 Soil Chamber with collar (10.2cm x 20cm high)
• G115 Flow Through Chamber (3.8 x 20cm)
• Q-S151 CO2 Analyzer (0-2000 ppm) (Includes CO2 and H2O scrubbers)
• S132 Temperature Probe
• Q-S161 RH/Temperature Sensor
• Q-G266 Flow Monitor (0-1L/min)
• G122 Gas Bags Large (30L x 2)
• A248 Battery Pack and Charger
• C610 Two integrated LabQuest Mini interfaces
• C901 Logger Pro Software
• C404 Customized Setup Software
• Q-Box Accessory Kit
• Rugged water proof case housing all sensors and analyzers
• Manual
• individual power supplies for stand alone use of analyzers and sensors

Sample soil respiration data from a closed-flow system:

Q-Box SR1LP software provides calculation templated for determination of soil respiration rates.

There are many other potential applications for Q-Box SR1LP package both in open flow and closed gas exchange systems.  For example, it can be used to measure CO2 exchange from any organism or sample maintained in a flow-through chamber.  In addition, it can be used to examine respiration or fermentation in aqueous suspensions when air or N2 is bubbled through the suspension and the outflow gas is analyzed using the CO2 Analyzer.  Provided that CO2 production rates are in the correct range, the package can be used to measure CO2 production of virtually any biological system. For more information on Q-Box SR1LP package please contact Qubit.

Q-S121 H2 Gas Analyzer is a flow through analyzer for measurements of H2 gas in 0-2000ppm range.  Linear response in the low range (0-20ppm) with ppb resolution.  The Q-S121 has a Tin-dioxide (SnO2) semiconductor sensing element.  Q-S121 can be used to measure Nitrogenase activity as H2 evolution in uptake hydogrenase (HUP) minus symbioses of legumes.  The Q-S121 H2 Gas Analyzer may also be used to monitor the hydrogen consumption of organisms that have the HUP enzyme.  This H2 Analyzer is a vital part of the Q-Box NF1LP Nitrogen Fixation Package.

Specifications:

• Range: 0 to 2000 ppm H2
•  Output: 0 to 5 V  analog to digital interface
• output sensitive to O2 concentration and flow rate
• warranty: 1 years

References:

• Catherine A. Osborne, Mark B. Peoples and Peter H. Janssen. Detection of a Reproducible, Single-Member Shift in Soil Bacterial Communities Exposed to Low Levels of Hydrogen. Applied and Environmental Microbiology Vol. 76, Number 5, p1471-1479 (2010).

• Stephanie A. Fischinger, Marieta Hristozkova, Zaman-Allah Mainassara and Joachim Schulze. Elevated CO₂ concentration around alfalfa nodules increases N₂ fixation. J. Exp. Bot. Vol  61, Number 1, p121-130 (2009).

• Mark B. Peoples, Paul D. McLennan and John Brockwell. Hydrogen emission from nodulated soybeans [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] and consequences for the productivity of a subsequent maize (Zea mays L.) crop. Plant and Soil Vol 307, Numbers 1-2, p67-82 ( 2008).

• Jiamila Maimaiti, Ye Zhang, Jing Yang, Yan-Ping Cen, David B. Layzell, Mark Peoples and Zhongmin Dong. Isolation and characterization of hydrogen-oxidizing bacteria induced following exposure of soil to hydrogen gas and their impact on plant growth. Environmental Microbiology Vol 9, Issue 2, p435–444 (2007).

• Y.-P. Cen and  D. B. Layzell. Does oxygen limit nitrogenase activity in soybean exposed to elevated CO₂? Plant, Cell & Environment Vol 27, Issue 10, p1229–1238 (2004).

• Z. Dong, L. Wu, B. Kettlewell, C. D. Caldwell and D. B. Layzell. Hydrogen fertilization of soils – is this a benefit of legumes in rotation? Plant, Cell & Environment Vol 26, Issue 11, p1875–1879 (2003).

• Z. Dong and D.B. Layzell. H2 oxidation, O2 uptake and CO2 fixation in hydrogen treated soils. Plant And Soil Vol 229, Number 1, p1-12 (2001).

The S157 CO2 Analyzer is a single channel non-dispersive infrared CO2 analyzer that measures CO2 in 0 to 2000 ppm range with 1 ppm resolution.  This CO2 Analyzer is ideal for CO2 exchange measurements with leaves, insects, small animals or organisms with a low metabolic rate. It is also excellent for measuring soil respiratory activity in the lab and field. The analyzer may be used in a flow-through gas exchange configuration for instantaneous and continuous measurements of CO2 exchange. It can also be used in stop flow or closed system modes for measurements at extremely low activity levels. The S157 CO2 Analyzer shares the same infrared technology and modular design as the S158 CO2 Analyzer.  The S157 CO2 Analyzer may also be used as part of Qubit Systems’ carbon dioxide control system for regulating pCO2 in growth cabinet. We recommend using S157 with our C950 Gas Exchange Software or other data acquisitions software.

Features :

• Switchable ranges of 0 – 500 ppm and 0 – 2000 ppm CO2
• 1 ppm carbon dioxide resolution on digital display
• Non-dispersive infrared technology
• Modulated infrared light source = no moving parts
• 0 – 5 V analog output at both range settings
• Optional battery pack for field use
• Compact and portable
• Weatherproof case

Applications :

• Photosynthetic measurements
• Respiration of roots and soil samples
• Respirometry of insects and other invertebrates
• Head space analysis of cell cultures
• Atmospheric monitoring and control
• Respiration of small amphibians

Specifications:

• Operating principle:  Non-dispersive infrared
• Gas sampling mode: Flowing gas stream, sealed chamber
• Maximum gas flow rate: 650 mL/min
• Measurement range (LCD display): 0 – 1999 ppm
• Analog output, low sensitivity: 0 – 2000 ppm
• Analog output, high sensitivity: 0 – 500 ppm
• Accuracy: Better than ± 2% of full scale
• Repeatability:    Better than ±1% of reading
• Maximum drift: (per year)  ±100 ppm
• Response time : (@ 250 mL/min; to 95% of final value) ca. 45 sec Warm up time (@ 22^oC)   ca. 5 min
• Output (linear) for Low Sensitivity setting: 0 – 5 VDC for 0 – 2000 ppm
• Output (linear) for High Sensitivity setting: 0 – 5 VDC for 0 – 500 ppm
• Calibration adjustments :   Zero and Span
• Operating temperature range: 0 to 50^oC
• Storage temperature range:  -40 to 70^oC
• Operating pressure range: ±1.5% local mean pressure
• Humidity range: 5 to 95% RH, non-condensing (recommend drying gas stream)
• Pressure dependence:  +0.19% reading per mm Hg
• Power requirements: 12 VDC via 120 VAC/60 Hz adapter
• Current requirements: 175 mA average, 450 mA peak
• Dimensions: (cm)  (H x W x D: 25.4 x 10.2 x 15.2)
• Weight: 2.2 kg
• Warranty: 1 year limited

Specifications subject to change without notice

References:

• Jumbo-Lucioni P, Ayroles JF, Chambers MM, Jorday KW, Leips J, Mackay TFC, DeLuca M. Systems Genetics analysis of body weight and energy metabolism traits in Drosophila melanogaster. BMC Genomics:11 p297- 309 (2010)

• R. F. Krachler, R. Krachler, A. Stojanovic, B. Wielander, and A. Herzig. Effects of pH on aquatic biodegradation Processes. Biogeosciences Discuss.:6, p491–514 ( 2009).

• Scarpeci TE, Valle EM. Rearrangement of carbon metabolism in Arabidopsis thaliana subjected to oxidative stress condition: an emergency survival strategy.  Plant Growth Regul. 54: 133-142 (2008)

• Busi MV, Maliandi MV, Valdez H, Clemente M, Zabaleta EJ, Araya A, Gomez-Casati DF.  Deficiency of Arabidopsis thaliana Frataxin alters activity of mitochondrial Fe-S proteins and incudes oxidative stress.  The Plant Journal 48: 873-882 (2006)

Q-S151 Infrared CO2 Analyzer is non-dispersive infrared CO2 analyzer that measures CO2 in 0 to 2000 ppm range with 1 ppm resolution.  Q-S151 replaces our S151 CO2 Analyzer.  The same dependable technology has been improved, made more rugged and modular for easy fit in our NEW Q-Box Packages.  Q-S151 is ideal for CO2 exchange measurements with leaves, insects, small animals or organisms with a low metabolic rate. It is also excellent for measuring soil respiratory activity in situ in the  field and in the lab. This CO2  analyzer may be used in a flow-through system configuration for instantaneous and continuous measurements of CO2 exchange.  It can also be used in a closed system mode for measurements at extremely low activity levels. The Q-S151 is also ideal as part of Qubit Systems’ carbon dioxide control system for regulating pCO2 in growth cabinet or rooms.  Contact Qubit for more information on such systems.

Features

• Switchable ranges of 0 – 500 ppm and 0 – 2000 ppm CO2
• 1 ppm CO2 resolution on digital display
• Non-dispersive infrared technology
• Modulated infrared light source = no moving parts
• 0 – 5 V analog output at both range settings
• Optional battery pack for field use
• Compact and portable

Applications:

• Photosynthetic measurements
• Respiration of roots and soil samples
• Respirometry of insects and other invertebrates
• Head space analysis of cell cultures
• Atmospheric monitoring and control

The Q-S151 CO2 analyzer is included in the following Qubit Research and Teaching Packages:

• FL23 Algal CO2 Package (30ml)
• FL22 Algal CO2 Package (10ml)
• Q-Box CO650 Plant CO2 Analysis Packages
• Q-Box RP1LP Low-Range Respiration Package
• Q-Box SR1LP Soil Respiration Package

Specifications:

• Operating principle  - Non-dispersive infrared
• Gas sampling mode - Flowing gas stream, sealed chamber
• Maximum gas flow rate - 650 mL/min
• Measurement range (LCD display)-  0 – 1999 ppm
• Analog output, low sensitivity- 0 – 2000 ppm
• Analog output, high sensitivity- 0 – 500 ppm
• Accuracy -  ± 1 ppm
• Repeatability (at stable atm press and temp)- Better than ±1 ppm
• Maximum drift (per year) - ±100 ppm
• Response time (@ 250 mL/min; to 95% of final value) - ca. 25 sec
• Warm up time (@ 22^oC) – ca. 5 min
• Output (linear) for Low Sensitivity setting – 0 – 5 VDC for 0 – 2000 ppm
• Output (linear) for High Sensitivity setting – 0 – 5 VDC for 0 – 500 ppm
• Calibration adjustments – Zero and Span
• Operating temperature range –  0 to 50^oC
• Storage temperature range  -  -40 to 70^oC
• Operating pressure range - ±1.5% local mean pressure
• Humidity range -  5 to 95% RH, non-condensing (recommend drying gas stream)
• Pressure dependence – +0.19% reading per mm Hg
• Power requirements-  12 VDC via 120 VAC/60 Hz adapter
• Current requirements – 125 mA average, 450 mA peak
• Dimensions (cm) – (H x W x D: 5.5 to 9.5 x 9.5 x 17)
• Weight - 1kg
• Warranty - 1 year limited

Specifications subject to change without notice

References:

• J. B. Ries, A. L. Cohen and D. C. McCorkle. A nonlinear calcification response to CO₂-induced ocean acidification by the coral Oculina arbuscula. CORAL REEFS Vol 29, Number 3, p661-674 (2010).

• Nann A. Fangue, Michael J. O’Donnell, Mary A. Sewell, Paul G. Matson, Anna C. MacPherson, and Gretchen E. Hofmann. A laboratory-based, experimental system for the study of ocean acidification effects on marine invertebrate larvae. Limnol. Oceanogr.: Methods 8, p441–452 (2010).

• Scott Carver, Ben D. Bell, and Bruce Waldman. Does Chytridiomycosis Disrupt Amphibian Skin Function? Copeia Vol. 2010, No. 3, p487-495 (2010).

• Simone E. Kolb, Kevin J. Fermanich and Mathew E. Dornbush. Effect of Charcoal Quantity on Microbial Biomass and Activity in Temperate Soils. SSSAJ: Vol 73, Number 4, p1173-1181.  (2009).

• Salvador Nogués, Iker Aranjuelo, Antoni Pardo and Joaquim Azcón-Bieto. Assessing the stable carbon isotopic composition of intercellular CO₂ in a CAM plant using gas chromatography-combustion-isotope ratio mass spectrometry. Rapid Communications in Mass Spectrometry; Vol 22, Issue 7, p1017–1022 (2008).

• Stephen D. LeDuc and David E. Rothstein. Initial recovery of soil carbon and nitrogen pools and dynamics following disturbance in jack pine forests: A comparisonof wildfire and clearcut harvesting. Soil Biology & Biochemistry Vol 39 p2865–2876 (2007).

• Nuria Gomez-Casanovas, Elena Blanc-Betes, Miquel A. Gonzalez-Meler and Joaquim Azcon-Bieto. Changes in Respiratory Mitochondrial Machinery and Cytochrome and Alternative Pathway Activities in Response to Energy Demand Underlie the Acclimation of Respiration to Elevated CO₂ in the Invasive Opuntia ficus-indica. Plant Physiology Vol 145 p49-61 (2007).

• U. Rascher, E. G. Bobich, C. B. Osmond. The Kluge-Lüttge Kammer: A Preliminary Evaluation of an Enclosed, Crassulacean Acid Metabolism (CAM) Mesocosm that Allows Separation of Synchronized and Desynchronized Contributions of Plants to Whole System Gas Exchange. Plant biol (Stuttg) Vol. 8, number 1, p167-174 (2006).

• Jean E.T. McLain and Dean A. Martens. N₂O production by heterotrophic N transformations in a semiarid soil. Applied Soil Ecology Vol 32, Issue 2 p253-263 (2006).

• J.E.T McLain and D.A. Martens. Moisture controls on trace gas fluxes in semiarid riparian soils. Science Society of America journal. Vol 70, Number 2, p.367-377 (2006).

• Jean E.T. McLain and Dean A. Martens. Nitrous oxide flux from soil amino acid mineralization. Soil Biology and Biochemistry. Vol 37, Issue 2, p289-299 (2005).

• Mark O. Baerlocher, Douglas A. Campbell, and Robert J. Ireland. Developmental progression of photosystem II electron transport and CO₂ uptake inSpartina alterniflora, a facultative halophyte, in a northern salt marsh. Can. J. Bot. Vol. 82, Number 3,  p365–375 (2004)

• L.H. Ziska, J.A. Bunce and E.W. Goins. Characterization of an urban-rural CO ₂/temperature gradient and associated changes in initial plant productivity during secondary succession. OECOLOGIA Volume 139, Number 3, p454-458 (2004).

• Y.P. Cen and D. B. Layzell. Does oxygen limit nitrogenase activity in soybean exposed to elevated CO₂? Plant, Cell & Environment Vol 27, Issue 10, p1229–1238 (2004).

• Lewis H. Ziska, PhD, Dennis E. Gebhard, David A. Frenz, MD, Shaun Faulkner Benjamin D. Singerd and James G. Straka, PhD. Cities as harbingers of climate change: Common ragweed, urbanization, and public health. J ALLERGY CLIN IMMUNOL, Vol 111, Number 2, p290-294 (2003).

• Colette A. Sacksteder and David M. Kramer. Dark-interval relaxation kinetics (DIRK) of absorbance changes as a quantitative probe of steady-state electron transfer. PHOTOSYNTHESIS RESEARCH Vol 66, Numbers 1-2, p145-158 (2000).