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ARS Home » Southeast Area » Auburn, Alabama » Soil Dynamics Research » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #405606
Research Project: Sustaining Productivity and Ecosystem Services of Agricultural and Horticultural Systems in the Southeastern United States

Location: Soil Dynamics Research

Title: Neutron-gamma soil elemental content determination for field mapping

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

Submitted to: ASA-CSSA-SSSA Annual Meeting Abstracts
Publication Type: Abstract Only
Publication Acceptance Date: 10/29/2023
Publication Date: 10/30/2023
Citation: Yakubova, G.N., Kavetskiy, A.G., Prior, S.A., Torbert Iii, H.A. 2023. Neutron-gamma soil elemental content determination for field mapping [ABSTRACT]. ASA-CSSA-SSSA Annual Meeting, St. Louis, Missouri, Oct 29 - Nov 1, 2023.

Interpretive Summary:

Technical Abstract: Soil elemental analysis is crucial not only for studying soil properties, but also for optimizing crop yields, assessing soil carbon sequestration, and determining carbon credits. When combined with location coordinates (via a geographical information system), measurement data can produce soil elemental distribution maps suitable for soil science, agriculture, and carbon credit assessments. Neutron-gamma technology is a non-destructive (no required sample preparation) in-situ method that can assess C, Si, Fe, O, Cl, H (moisture), and N content in large soil volumes (~ 0.3 m3). The gamma registration components of this system are also quite suitable for determinations of soil K. This presentation will discuss mobile neutron-gamma analysis equipment for field use and application of this technology for determining and mapping soil C, H (moisture), K and other elements. Actual elemental distribution maps created by this technology will also be presented.