Precision Greenhouse Gas Monitoring with Photoacoustic IR Sensors

Monitor CO₂ and N₂O emissions accurately in real-time for crops, pastures, and sustainable environmental research.

Photoacoustic Infrared Spectroscopy Sensors

At AgroEnviroTest, our Photoacoustic Infrared Spectroscopy Sensors offer high-resolution, real-time monitoring of greenhouse gases, including carbon dioxide (CO₂) and nitrous oxide (N₂O). These advanced sensors use photoacoustic technology to detect trace gas concentrations by measuring sound waves generated from infrared light absorption, providing highly sensitive and reliable readings. Designed for both field and lab environments, they are ideally suited for continuous gas flux monitoring in cropland and pasture systems, where precision is critical for research, environmental assessments, and climate-smart agriculture. As part of our suite of Air Quality & Greenhouse Gas Monitoring Technologies, these systems play a vital role in advancing sustainable land management across North America.

Hardware

Precision photoacoustic infrared sensor modules integrate with Environmental & Agriculture Sensorsto detect GHG levels near financial assets for carbon risk profiling.

Enclosed sampling chambers with temperature regulation utilize Zigbee End Devicesto wirelessly control and report environmental stability within insured sites.

Rugged, field-deployable chassis with weatherproofing pairs with Wi-Fi HaLow Gateways/Routersfor reliable long-range connectivity in harsh insured locations.

Integrated gas inlets and calibration ports connect to UHF RFID Readers, Tags & Accessoriesto authenticate calibration events and ensure traceable compliance data.

Battery or solar-powered options for remote sites are enabled NB-IoT End Devices, ensuring low-power connectivity for remote insurance-monitored assets.

Software

  • Real-time data visualization and diagnostics 
  • Customizable sampling intervals and thresholds 
  • Export tools for Excel, CSV, and regulatory reporting formats 
  • Built-in QA/QC checks for data integrity 

Cloud Service

  • Secure cloud-based data platform for remote access 
  • Multi-site dashboard with trend analysis tools 
  • Alerts for gas concentration spikes 
  • Compatible with environmental APIs for compliance and research sharing 

Key Features and Functionalities

  • Detects CO₂, N₂O, CH₄, and other gases with sub-ppm sensitivity 
  • Non-dispersive photoacoustic detection minimizes drift and interferences 
  • Ideal for long-term deployment with minimal maintenance 
  • High data resolution for diurnal and seasonal flux profiling 
  • Quick setup with plug-and-play hardware and cloud sync 
  • Real-time feedback for adaptive management strategies 

Integrations & Compatibility

  • Seamlessly integrates with AgroEnviroTest’s lysimeter systems and meteorological tools 
  • Compatible with third-party sensors and data loggers via standard protocols 
  • Easily incorporated into academic research platforms, farm management software, and ESG dashboards 
  • Interfaces with GAO Tek environmental sensors for broader ecosystem monitoring 

Relevant U.S. & Canadian Standards

  • U.S. EPA GHG Reporting Program 
  • U.S. Department of Agriculture Climate Smart Practices 
  • California Climate Investments GHG Protocol 
  • Canadian Environmental Protection Act (CEPA) 
  • CSA Z741-20 Environmental Monitoring Standard 
  • CCME Ambient Air Quality Objectives 

Benefits

  • Deliver accurate, defensible greenhouse gas data for compliance and sustainability 
  • Reduce manual sampling through automated, unattended operation 
  • Strengthen research outcomes with high-frequency datasets 
  • Support funding and grant applications with validated emissions data 
  • Enhance climate-smart agriculture and carbon accounting practices

Applications

Crop and pasture research for GHG emissions quantification 

Soil carbon sequestration studies 

Nitrogen cycle analysis in fertilized plots 

Government and institutional environmental monitoring programs 

Sustainable farming operations seeking carbon footprint validation 

Industries Served

  • Precision agriculture 
  • Academic and environmental research 
  • Regulatory and government agencies 
  • Climate-tech and sustainability firms 
  • Carbon credit and emissions trading platforms 

Case Study

Midwest University Ag Research Station (USA)

A land-grant university in Iowa implemented AgroEnviroTest’s photoacoustic IR sensors to monitor nitrous oxide emissions in no-till corn plots. The data helped researchers model nitrogen use efficiency and support regenerative agriculture recommendations. 

Organic Dairy Pasture Emissions (USA)

A Vermont-based organic dairy cooperative used our sensors to monitor carbon dioxide release from intensive grazing systems. Real-time data allowed for adaptive pasture rotation to enhance soil carbon capture and reduce climate impact. 

British Columbia Climate Initiative (Canada)

A provincial research initiative in British Columbia deployed our photoacoustic sensors to assess nitrous oxide emissions across different fertilization regimes. The results contributed to updated best practices for low-emission farming in Western Canada. 

Interested in deploying cutting-edge greenhouse gas monitoring on your farm, lab, or research site?

AgroEnviroTest is ready to help you collect the data you need for sustainability, compliance, or innovation. Contact Us Now for a demo, technical specs, or personalized support from our expert team.