Ninety-five percent of the food we eat is grown directly or indirectly in the soil. Today, however, this essential natural resource is threatened by many forms of soil degradation. According to the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), about a third of the world's soils are already damaged by inadequate and unsustainable agricultural practices, climate change or pollution, with up to 50,000 square kilometers.

Nuclear and isotopic techniques can help minimize soil nutrient losses by allowing scientists to collect accurate data to better assess and manage soil quality and health. They provide valuable and reliable quantitative data to make accurate and informed decisions about the management and conservation of agricultural land, while reducing environmental impacts.

"Soil is a vital resource, but not renewable, because it takes up to a thousand years to produce only two to three centimeters of it," said Lee Kheng Heng, head of the Soil and Water Management and Crop Nutrition Section at the FAO/IAEA Joint Center. "Nuclear techniques help monitor soil processes to protect our soils, improving agricultural production, food security and human well-being in all parts of the globe."

Through the isotopes of carbon, nitrogen, phosphorus and other elements, it is possible to track the movement of nutrients from organic and inorganic fertilizers from soil to plants and the environment. Isotopic techniques allow scientists to measure the dynamics of chemical elements in soils and crops.

"We know that from ancient civilizations to the present day and in the future, soils have played and will continue to play a central role in the livelihood and survival of people," said Mohammad Zaman, soil scientist at the Joint FAO/IAEA Centre. "To stop soil loss, we need smart and innovative solutions. Isotopic techniques provide just that."

Source: Agrolink