Near Infrared spectroscopy as a potential tool to monitor the mineralization of exogeneous organic matter within the soil.

Abstract : The ability of near infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) to monitor the dynamic of organic matter incorporated into the soil has not yet been tested. This method has a great potential as it can be faster, cheaper and more accessible than conventional techniques dealing with this topic. The aim of this study is to evaluate the potential of the visible near infrared (Vis-NIR: 400-2500nm) to monitor the mineralization of organic matter added to the soil by quantifying, over time, its various degradation products. This study focused on 2 types of soils, one from France (Neoluvisol developed on silt wind) and the other from Tunisia (Vertic Xerofluvents). Both soils received two types of organic input, poultry manure (C/N = 17.8) and composted pig manure on straw (C/N = 20.6).