CPC G01N 21/65 (2013.01) [A01C 21/007 (2013.01); G01N 21/84 (2013.01); G01N 33/0098 (2013.01); G01N 2021/8466 (2013.01)] | 20 Claims |
1. A method of diagnosing and reversing the development of nitrogen deficiency in a plant comprising:
measuring nitrate in vivo and in situ in tissue of a plant leaf, using a Raman spectrometer, thereby;
obtaining a Raman spectra, using near-infrared excitation wavelength, of nitrate in vivo and in situ in tissue of a plant leaf at a first point in time, wherein the Raman spectra includes a peak characteristic of nitrate;
obtaining a Raman spectra, using near-infrared excitation wavelength, of nitrate in vivo and in situ in the tissue of the plant leaf at a second point in time, wherein the Raman spectra includes the peak characteristic of nitrate;
comparing relative intensity of the peak characteristic of nitrate from the Raman spectra obtained at the first point of time with relative intensity of the peak characteristic of nitrate from the Raman spectra obtained at the second point of time;
determining if there is a decrease in the relative intensity of the peak characteristic of nitrate from the Raman spectra obtained at the second point in time,
wherein a relative decrease in intensity of the peak characteristic of nitrate from the Raman spectra obtained at the second point of time is indicative of nitrogen deficiency; and
adding a source of nitrogen to the plant when nitrogen deficiency is indicated.
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