Gamma-Ray Spectrometry for the Measurement of Mass Attenuation Coefficient and Bulk Density of Soil: A Review

ABSTRACTThe gamma-ray mass attenuation coefficient is a crucial parameter to characterize the penetration and propagation of gamma rays in complex, multiphased, and heterogeneous materials like soil. Microscopically, soils contain minerals, water, gases, and other fluids that influence gamma-ray transmission. This paper discusses the potential of the Gamma Ray Spectroscopy (GRS) technique for precise measurement of various soil properties, focusing on soil's mass attenuation coefficient and bulk density. The limitations and advantages of GRS over conventional methods are also highlighted.KEYWORDS: Bulk densitygamma-ray spectrometrymass attenuation coefficientsoil AcknowledgementsThe author would like to express his sincere gratitude to the Electron Microscopy & Nanoscience Laboratory, Department of Soil Science and the Director of Research, Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana.Disclosure statementNo potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).