2008 Joint Annual Meeting (5-9 Oct. 2008): Evaluation of Portable X-Ray Fluorescence for Gypsum Quantification In Soils
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299-22 Evaluation of Portable X-Ray Fluorescence for Gypsum Quantification In Soils



Wednesday, 8 October 2008
George R. Brown Convention Center, Exhibit Hall E
David Weindorf1, Nelson Rolong2, Ray Ferrell3, B.L. Allen4, Wayne Hudnall5, Juan Herrero6 and Yuanda Zhu1, (1)School of Plant, Environmental and Soil Science, LSU AgCenter, Baton Rouge, 76803
(2)USDA-NRCS, Marfa, TX 79843
(3)Department of Geology and Geophysics, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, LA 70803
(4)Department of Plant and Soil Science, Texas Tech University, Lubbock, TX 79409
(5)Plant and Soil Science, Texas Tech University, MS 2122, Lubbock, TX 79409
(6)Departamento de Suelo y Agua, Estaci�n Experimental de Aula Dei, C.S.I.C, Apartado 13034, Zaragoza, 50059, Spain
The use of field portable x-ray fluorescence spectrometry was evaluated as a quantification tool for gypsum content in soils of West Texas and Eastern New Mexico, USA. Six sites were evaluated with gypsum contents ranging from <10% to >90%. Samples collected from each site were scanned in the field using XRF, then brought back to the lab for additional XRF scanning. Variables which might affect XRF scanning results, such as scanning time, particle size, moisture content, etc. were evaluated. Both gypsum (CaSO4�2H2O) and calcite (CaCO3) were quantified using standard lab techniques. Correlation of gypsum XRF data (via Ca quantification minus CaCO3 content) and lab data showed a strong correlation. Field portable XRF shows considerable promise as a rapid, quantifiable measure of gypsum in soils.
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