Hao Liu , Yi-Ning Zhang, Zi-Yan Liu, Shi-Yu Zhang, Bai-Ding Chen, Royston Goodacre, Zheng Chen

1.Accurate measurement of carbon dioxide (CO₂) and methane (CH₄)
emissions from soil is crucial for understanding carbon dynamics and
developing strategies to mitigate climate change. Traditional chamber
techniques and soil incubation experiments each have limitations that
hinder their efficiency and accuracy. This study aims to overcome these
challenges by integrating automated technologies into controlled soil
incubation experiments.
2.We present an automated closed dynamic chamber system, operated
by a Cartesian robot, applied for the first time to controlled soil
incubation. This system enables precise and efficient monitoring of CO₂
and CH₄ fluxes, with validation conducted through repeated chamber
measurements across multiple soil types incubated in open microcosms.
The method was optimized to achieve reliable measurements within a 90-
second duration, significantly shorter than that of conventional
approaches.
3.The method demonstrated robust performance, showing high
repeatability and reliability in gas flux measurements. The shortened and
optimal 90-second measurement cycle enhanced experimental
throughput without compromising accuracy. Two microcosm experiments,
using leaf litter and plastic films, further highlighted the system's ability
to capture dynamic changes in greenhouse gas emissions under different
environmental treatments.
4.This novel approach significantly advances gas flux measurement by
improving accuracy, experimental throughput, and efficiency in
laboratory-based studies. The shortened measurement duration of 90
seconds offers a substantial improvement over traditional methods,
making this system a valuable tool for broader applications in greenhouse
gas research and ecosystem carbon dynamics studies.