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ARS Home » Southeast Area » Auburn, Alabama » Soil Dynamics Research » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #396204
Research Project: Sustaining Productivity and Ecosystem Services of Agricultural and Horticultural Systems in the Southeastern United States

Location: Soil Dynamics Research

Title: Soil mapping for precision agriculture using mobile inelastic neutron scattering technology

Author
item Torbert, Henry - Allen
item Yakubova, Galina
item Kavetskiy, Aleksandr
item Prior, Stephen - Steve

Submitted to: ASA-CSSA-SSSA Annual Meeting Abstracts
Publication Type: Abstract Only
Publication Acceptance Date: 7/13/2022
Publication Date: 11/7/2022
Citation: Torbert Iii, H.A., Yakubova, G.N., Kavetskiy, A.G., Prior, S.A. 2022. Soil mapping for precision agriculture using mobile inelastic neutron scattering technology [Abstract]. ASA, CSSA, SSSA International Annual Meeting, Baltimore, Maryland 6-9 November 2022.

Interpretive Summary:

Technical Abstract: A new methodology has been developed that can provide soil elemental content distribution mapping across a field with no soil disturbance. The technology uses a mobile inelastic neutron scattering (MINS) system to measure elemental content in soil at the atomic level. With this system, a neutron generator radiates the soil with neutrons and gamma detectors measure the resulting gamma rays produced from the excited nucleus of atoms in soil. Elements such as C can be distinguished and the concentrations determined. The methodology has been developed to allow the system to be mounted on a mobile platform with GPS for movement across a field. With this system, the elemental content of elements such as soil C can be mapped across large areas. The details of this system and the resulting mapping will be discussed.