XRF-measured rubidium concentration is the best predictor variable for estimating the soil clay content and salinity of semi-humid soils in two catenas

• DOI: 10.1016/j.geoderma.2019.02.011
• Publication Date: 2019-02-16T04:26:01Z
• Authors: Tibor Tóth; Zsófia Adrienn Ko...; Márk Rékási
• Keywords: Soil test; Rubidium

When making management decisions regarding the conditions of Great Hungarian Plain, it is important to consider soil clay content and salinity. Because moisture vary from extremely dry wet throughout year, this limits use electric methods. In study, we looked for fast, independent techniques estimate Gamma dosimetry X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy (XRF) were tested showed consistent values. two contrasting transects: one passing top dune valley (Sanddune-Valley), another an elevated non-sodic grassland low sodic patches (Sodic), XRF-measured rubidium concentration proved be best overall predictor both salinity as provided better correlations than gamma dosimetry. Pearson correlation coefficients indicated opposing tendencies between in transects, owing distinct differences formations inside transects. We suggest using XRF not field estimation with portable devices.