Scanning mode application of neutron-induced gamma analysis for soil carbon mapping
Inventors
Chin, Bryan A. • Torbert, III, Henry Allen • YAKUBOVA, GALINA N. • KAVETSKIY, ALEKSANDR • Sargsyan, Nikolay
Assignees
Auburn University • US Department of Agriculture USDA
Publication Number
US-12031928-B2
Publication Date
2024-07-09
Expiration Date
2039-12-06
Interested in licensing this patent?
MTEC can help explore whether this patent might be available for licensing for your application.
Abstract
A system for analyzing soil content of a field includes a data acquisition unit configured to detect gamma spectra of each of a plurality of soil samples, wherein a surface area of the field is divided into a plurality of portions and the plurality of soil samples comprises at least one soil sample from each of the plurality of portions, a navigation unit configured to detect geographic coordinates of each of the plurality of soil samples, a data analysis unit configured to associate the detected gamma spectra of each of the plurality of soil samples with the geographic coordinates of the soil sample and determine a weight percent of at least one element within each of the soil samples based on the detected gamma spectra, and an element content map unit configured to generate a map indicating concentration of the at least one element within the soil of the field.
Core Innovation
The invention is a system and method for analyzing soil content of a field by using neutron-induced gamma analysis to detect gamma spectra of soil samples divided across multiple portions of the field. A data acquisition unit detects gamma spectra from soil samples, and a navigation unit obtains geographic coordinates for each sample. A data analysis unit associates the gamma spectra with geographic locations and determines the weight percent of at least one element within each soil sample based on the spectra. An element content map unit generates a map indicating the concentration of the element within the soil of the field.
This system scans the surface layer of a geographic area by dividing it into a plurality of portions or sites, then scanning at least one soil sample from each site to obtain detailed elemental content. The process includes scanning for predetermined acquisition times to achieve predefined accuracy for elements such as carbon, silicon, hydrogen, potassium, and others. The system calibrates the detected gamma spectra by shifting and summing spectra from multiple detectors and associating the analyzed data with geographic midpoints to generate interpolated elemental distribution maps.
The problem addressed is that existing soil elemental content analysis typically relies on composite sampling with very limited subsamples, often less than 0.01% of the field acreage, resulting in only high-level approximations of elemental content. Moreover, many systems are not readily adaptable to analyze more than a few samples. There is a need for a methodology that yields more detailed and accurate elemental content for a given field area to improve agricultural evaluations, nutrient availability assessments, carbon credit determinations, and yield predictions.
Claims Coverage
The patent includes four independent claims covering systems and methods for analyzing elemental content of soil using gamma spectrum detection associated with geographic coordinates.
Gamma detection with geographic association and lifetime-based elemental quantification
A system comprising multiple gamma detectors configured to detect gamma ray spectra at various locations, with a processor associating spectra with geographic coordinates, determining element amounts based on an average lifetime of the detected spectra across detectors, and generating concentration maps within the geographic area.
Method of dividing a surface area into multiple locations, scanning soil gamma spectra, associating with geographic coordinates, calculating elemental amounts, and generating concentration maps
A method involving dividing a surface area into multiple locations, scanning gamma spectra for soil samples at these locations, associating spectra with geographic coordinates, calculating elemental amounts based on detected spectra, and generating maps indicating element concentrations.
A system with gamma detectors scanning a surface layer while movable, correcting gamma spectra energy, and generating element concentration maps
A system where gamma detectors scan a geographic surface layer in a movable manner, correct gamma spectra energy based on a predefined value via spectra-shifting and weight-percent calculation, receive geographic coordinates, calculate element weight percent based on gamma spectrum lifetime (average from detectors), and generate maps of element concentrations based on these calculations.
A system including a neutron generator producing neutron pulses inducing gamma spectra for soil analysis with geographic coordinate association
A system further comprising a neutron generator wherein detected gamma spectra result from neutron pulsing, with the processor analyzing induced gamma spectra associated with locations in the geographic area to determine elemental content.
The claims cover a system and method for detailed soil elemental analysis using multiple gamma detectors associated with geographic coordinates, employing neutron-induced or natural gamma emissions, lifetime-based quantification, spectra energy correction, and data-driven map generation of elemental distribution across a geographic area.
Stated Advantages
Provides detailed and accurate elemental content information for each portion of a field, improving over traditional composite sampling methods.
Enables generation of spatially resolved elemental distribution maps useful for agricultural and environmental analysis.
Offers reproducible results under similar weather and terrain conditions, enhancing reliability of soil analysis.
Facilitates efficient data acquisition by scanning multiple sites with adjustable acquisition times based on desired accuracy and element gamma peak yields.
Documented Applications
Mapping elemental distribution within soil to assess adaptability for agricultural and recreational uses.
Determining carbon credits based on soil carbon content distribution.
Evaluating nutrient availability or the need for nutrient introduction for crop yield prediction and fertilizer profitability.
Interested in licensing this patent?