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Transmission of Gamma Radiation by Soils and Soil Densitometry¹

ABSTRACT

The theoretical basis for gamma densitometry of soil by transmission is reviewed. It is stressed that the familiar exponential-inverse square law applies only to primary radiation. Data obtained with five different soils show such to be the case. Inclusion of secondary radiation in the measurement results in unwanted complications. The separation of the two types of radiation is achieved by scintillation counting and electronic discrimination.

¹ Joint contribution from the Soil and Water Conservation Research Division, A.R.S., U.S.D.A., the North Carolina Agr. Exp. Sta., and North Carolina State College, Physics Dept. Research in part supported by the National Science Foundation. Paper No. 782 of the Journal Series, North Carolina Agr. Exp. Sta. Presented before Div. I, Soil Science Society of America, Nov. 15, 1956 at Cincinnati, Ohio.

² Soil Scientist (Physicist), U.S.D.A.; Professor of Physics; and Graduate Student in Nuclear Engineering, respectively.

Received for publication February 25, 1957. Accepted for publication June 12, 1957.