LaserAg

A unique soil analysis technology

What is it?

LaserAgTM is a unique in-house technology that samples and analyzes soils, plants, and fodder. It consists of three interrelated modules: the LaserAg Quantum machine, the software LaserAg Partner and the mobile application LaserAg Sampler.

This patented technology was developed over 10 years by Logiag, in collaboration with the INO research center, the Computer Research Institute of Montréal, the National Research Council Canada, 
Mila and IVADO, among others.

Today, LaserAgTM represents a turnkey solution and a cutting-edge technology that is faster, greener, and easier to operate than the traditional analysis methods. This technology is already being used in three labs: Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu), Eurofins EnvironeX (Longueuil) and Omnia (South Africa and Zambia).

LaserAg Quantum uses laser induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS) a powerful analytical technique used in many industries, from pharmaceuticals to mining, and even in aerospace for the exploration of Martian soils!

In just a few minutes, our machine provides information on a multitude of soil parameters, including: 

  • Soil organic carbon
  • Macro and micronutrients
  • Granulometry
  • Total nitrogen content
  • pH
Using LIBS technology, LaserAg transforms sample into plasma in order to identify the elementary composition of complex materials, such as soil and plants.

What’s in it for me?

LaserAg Quantum has many advantages:

  • It analyzes mutiple climate parameters simultaneously, inclusing soil organic carbon, organic matter, pH, buffer pH and total nitrogen content.
  • It is particularly effective in measuring soil organic carbon (SOC), which is a very important soil parameter in the context of climate change. Indeed, markets are demanding valid SOC measures, since increased soil carbon sequestration represents reduced CO2 levels in the atmosphere.
  • It is faster than other methods. Thanks to its fluidity and user-friendly design, sampling, sample preparation, and analysis can be completed in 48 hours.
  • It requires very little sample manipulation, which reduces the risk of human error.
  • It produces no chemicals and no by-products, leaving behind only the recyclable cup and a small amount of soil, forage, or plant tissue.
  • Its’ operating costs are much lower than traditional chemical methods.

LaserAg Quantum comes with LIMS (laboratory information management system) in-house software that allows the laboratory technician to monitor the samples throughout the process and view the machines’ results in real-time.

Finally, the associated LaserAg software facilitates the planning and monitoring of sampling and analysis.

Logiag‘s advantage

LaserAgTM is a unique technology, developped by Logiag over a 10-year period.

Logiag employs a strong R&D team dedicated to the ongoing development of the LaserAgTM technology. Our developers, engineers, LIBS specialists, and laboratory technicians know it inside out, and can help you use it in the field or in the office.

In 2024, this technology was the subject of an article in the scientific journal Scientific reports, part of the Nature portfolio.

In 2023, the LaserAgTM results were validated by Eurofins EnvironeX, Quebec’s leading analytical laboratory in the environmental, agrifood and pharmaceutical health fields.

Since 2023, this technology is also recognized as a valid method for measuring carbon in Quebec’s Regulation respecting afforestation and reforestation projects eligible for the issuance of offset credits on privately-owned land.

Finally, in 2021, LaserAgTM was awarded the “Quantify” prize by the Indigo Carbon Challenge for being the most reliable for soil organic carbon measurement.

Contact our experts