Quality at a glance
The Pfeiffer’s circular chromatography is an excellent method for the qualitative and biological assessment of soils and composts. It is the ideal complement to chemical-physical analyses (including nutrient contents). The chromatograms make qualitative differences of soils visible.
Using the chromatographic images, practitioners and scientists alike can identify the condition and microbiology of their soil/compost and deduce what improvement measures are needed.
Example analysis
Click on the image to view an example of an analysis:
Interpretation of the chromatography images
For better interpretation of the chromatograms, they are divided into four ring-shaped zones whose patterns, expressions of radial structures and shapes, hues and brightnesses are assessed.
Caution:
Achtung: The interpretation can be subjective and misinterpretable in case of lack of experience.
Central Zone
The Central Zone is the innermost region of the circular chromatograms. Important features: Brightness, radius and the transition to the inner zone.
Provides information about the degree of maturity of composts, among other things.
Inner zone
Important features: Radial structure, radius, color tone, transition between inner and middle zone.
Provides information on ammonium (NH4+) values, pH, oxygen supply, humus condition, among other things.
Middle Zone
The most noticeable zone. Important features: Distinction from the middle zone, number and variety of serrations, serration tips, color, cloud formation, stains.
Provides information about microbial activity and diversity, humus condition, among other things.
Outer zone
Important features: Color, contour, contrast to the serrations of the middle zone.
Provides information on the condition of the organic matter, EC value, microbial activity, C/N value, among other things.
