History of Agrophysics: The Creative Activity of Alexander V. Kurtener

Abstract

This publication discusses the career of Alexander V. Kurtener, a prominent agrophysicist, who elaborated the fundamentals of technology for measuring the absorption / emission of infrared radiation on the surface of the soil.  Specifically, he contributed the following to this science: a) Theoretical Basis (he developed the “binary method”, which elaborated a method of measuring soil surface temperature.  In addition, he studied the problem of absorption of infrared by gases and vapors, and also developed a method of filtering infrared radiation by using a layer of selenium). b) Technological Basis (he invented a method and designed a device for measuring soil surface temperatures, invented a device for measuring the effective radiation of the earth, proposed a new design for high-sensitivity thermopile, developed selenium filters with good optical properties, and conducted experiments that demonstrated the feasibility of the technology). In cooperation with A.F. Chudnovsky, Alexander V. Kurtener further developed the analytical theory of heat transfer in soil. Also, he developed a number of methods for determining the thermal characteristics of soil.