Optimizing Soil and Plant Analysis with the VELP CN 802: The Experience of the University of Sarajevo

06/03/2025

The University of Sarajevo enhanced its elemental analysis capabilities by integrating the VELP CN 802, overcoming challenges related to accuracy, efficiency, and safety. With precise carbon and nitrogen determination, the university now conducts advanced research in soil fertility, plant nutrition, and environmental sustainability.

The University of Sarajevo - Faculty of Agriculture and Food Sciences is Bosnia's oldest secular higher education institution celebrating its 85th anniversary this year. It offers 12 programs in areas like plant and animal production, the food industry, and agribusiness, combining education, research, and innovation in agricultural sciences.

The faculty focuses on soil and plant sciences, with a strong commitment to agricultural sustainability and environmental protection. Its laboratory studies soil fertility, plant nutrition, and ecosystem balance, where precise carbon and nitrogen analysis plays a key role.

To enhance the accuracy and efficiency of its elemental analysis, the university integrated the VELP CN 802 Carbon/Nitrogen Elemental Analyzer, a cutting-edge instrument designed for reliable, rapid, and user-friendly C/N determination. This acquisition was made possible through the EU4AGRI project, "Smart systems in agriculture: a response to the challenges of the 21st century," an initiative funded by the European Union to modernize the agri-food sector and promote sustainable agricultural practices in Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Overcoming Traditional Limitations in Soil and Plant Analysis

Before integrating the CN 802 into their workflow, the research team faced several challenges:

Time-consuming methods that required extensive sample preparation and analysis time.

The laboratory previously estimated nitrogen content indirectly from organic matter and used atomic absorption spectroscopy (AAS) for some analyses. However, these techniques required complex sample preparation, hazardous chemicals, and long processing times, which limited efficiency.

Inconsistent results, making it difficult to ensure reproducibility across different research projects.

The limitations of their previous methodologies made it difficult to ensure reproducibility across research projects, affecting participation in high-level studies and funding opportunities. They were less competitive in securing new collaborations without precise, standardized data.

Manual processes and chemical exposure.

The reliance on outdated methods increased manual labor, the risk of errors, and exposure to hazardous chemicals.

Emina Sijahović, Assistant Professor at the University, shared her experience: “Before using the CN 802, we relied on outdated methods that required extensive sample preparation and long analysis times. We couldn’t even directly measure total nitrogen, which limited our ability to participate in research projects. Now, with the CN 802, we can perform precise total carbon, total organic carbon, and total nitrogen determinations much faster, safely, and efficiently.”

Advancing Research with Fast and Accurate C/N Analysis

To overcome these limitations, the University of Sarajevo integrated the VELP CN 802 Carbon/Nitrogen Elemental Analyzer into their laboratory workflow. The CN 802 provides direct, precise, and rapid Total Carbon (TC), Total Organic Carbon (TOC), and Total Nitrogen (TN) determination in soil and plant samples.

With automated operation, optimized combustion technology, and high analytical performance, it significantly improved the lab’s capabilities:

Accurate and direct determinations. Unlike previous methods, the CN 802 provides direct and reliable measurements of total nitrogen and carbon, ensuring consistent and reproducible results.
Faster analysis and improved efficiency. The fully automated system reduces analysis time and increases sample throughput with minimal manual intervention.
Safer and more sustainable workflow. The combustion method eliminates the use of hazardous reagents, enhancing operator safety and environmental sustainability.
Expanded research opportunities. Reliable data allows the university to participate in high-impact research projects on soil fertility, plant nutrition, and carbon sequestration, strengthening collaborations and funding prospects.
Local expertise and ongoing support. With the combined support of VELP and Mikro+Polo, VELP’s trusted local distributor, the lab received installation, training, and ongoing support to optimize its analytical workflow.

"Thanks to the CN 802, our lab now conducts elemental analysis with high accuracy and efficiency," as mentioned by Professor Sijahović. "The instrument is not only precise and fast but also incredibly easy to use, which has simplified our daily operations."

Ready to Enhance Your Elemental Analysis?

By adopting the VELP CN 802, the University of Sarajevo transformed its soil and plant analysis, achieving greater accuracy, efficiency, and safety. With trusted local support and cutting-edge technology, the university is now equipped to drive innovative research in agricultural sustainability and environmental science.

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