Drones detect natural gamma radiation to measure agricultural soil health

The International Atomic Energy Agency has initiatedacoordinated research project that will combine an "innovative, non-invasive, and scalable nuclear technique"-gamma-ray spectrometry(GRS)-withdronesandsatellite imageryto gather and analyze data that can reveal the quality of soil on agricultural lands around the world.

Agriculture uses 70 percent of the world's fresh water with less than 50 percent efficiency,according to the IAEA, and more than 75 billion metric tonsof topsoilare lost to erosioneach year. Healthy soilisimportant forcrop productivity and climate resilience, and effective land and water management requires a robust understanding of soil conditions.

The project:The IAEA wants tostandardize and scale the use of GRSto measure the gamma radiationemitted by radionuclides naturally present in soil, such as potassium, uranium,and thorium. The technology, aided by digital and remote sensing tools, could providehigh-resolution assessments of soil properties to monitorsoil texture, total carbon, total nitrogen,and moisture.

Through field-based research and collaboration with member states, the IAEA wants todevelop and validatestandardized methodologies using GRSdeployed on stationary, mobile,or drone platforms to assess agricultural fields without disturbing the land. When GRS data is combined with satellite imagery, the project will yieldhigh-resolution soil maps to guide sustainable land and water managementpracticesand improve agricultural planning and productivity.

"Informed soil management starts with accuratedata. This coordinated research project will provide practical protocols and tools to generate actionable soil information from nuclear-based assessments, enabling farmers and policymakers to make informed decisions," said Gerd Dercon, head of the IAEA Soil & Water Management & Crop Nutrition Laboratory.

Open to proposals: Research institutions can applyby emailto join the CRP no later than August 3. More information is available by contacting the project officer throughthe CRP page.