Full range field spectrometer for high throughput analysis of vegetation and soil

We request support for a new portable, full range hyperspectral radiometer to complement the existing MEC-supported hyperspectral instrument purchased in 2016. The new instrument will expand our capacity to rapidly measure spectral characteristics of large numbers of plant and soil samples. These measurements will in turn facilitate the identification of biochemical, structural and physiological traits of importance for breeding stress tolerant crops, for developing climate change adaptation and mitigation strategies, and for teaching. Additional capacity for these measurements is critical for allowing researchers to meet commitments to recently funded projects and will support existing and new collaborations among group leaders.