Combining Gamma Ray Sensing and Digital Technology for Soil Moisture and Soil Property Mapping

Soil health and moisture availability are critical for sustainable agricultural productivity, especially in the face of increasing climate variability and land degradation. This Coordinated Research Project (CRP) aims to advance the use of gamma-ray spectrometry (GRS) as an innovative, non-invasive, and scalable nuclear technique to assess key soil properties—including texture, organic carbon, nitrogen, moisture, and erosion risk.
Through field-based research and collaboration with Member States, the CRP will develop and validate standardized methodologies using stationary and mobile GRS systems, supported by climate data sensors, drone-based and satellite imagery for crop assessment. By integrating GRS with digital technologies, this work will provide high-resolution soil maps and decision-support tools to help farmers and policymakers optimize land and water management, enhance climate resilience, and improve agricultural planning and productivity.
The outcomes of this CRP will strengthen Member States' capacity to apply nuclear and related technologies for sustainable soil management, support climate-smart agriculture, and contribute to food security and environmental protection.