Summary
This paper optimises energy-dispersive X-ray fluorescence (EDXRF) as a rapid, cost-effective method for quantitative soil analysis by systematically evaluating sample preparation and calibration strategies. Using international soil standards and field samples, the authors demonstrated that pressed pellets with wax binder yielded the most reliable element recoveries (80–120% range), whilst calibration approaches proved element-dependent. The findings indicate EDXRF has practical potential for screening contaminated soils and predicting soil texture in agricultural contexts.
UK applicability
The methodology is directly applicable to UK soil testing laboratories seeking faster, less expensive alternatives to ICP-OES for contamination screening and routine soil characterisation. However, calibration optimisation would need validation against soils typical of UK farming systems and textural classes.
Key measures
Element recovery rates (%) for 13 elements across three sample preparation methods (loose powder, pressed pellet, pressed pellet with wax binder); comparison of matching library versus fundamental parameters calibration; soil texture class separation for Al, K, Mn, and Fe
Outcomes reported
The study compared sample preparation methods and calibration approaches for energy-dispersive X-ray fluorescence (EDXRF) soil analysis, evaluating recoveries of 13 elements against international standards and validating against ICP-OES in 41 tillage soils. The research demonstrated EDXRF's suitability for quantifying both trace elements and macronutrients in contaminated soils.
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