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Updated: Jul 4, 2026
09:16
Methods of Soil Resampling to Monitor Changes in the Chemical Concentrations of Forest Soils
Published on: November 25, 2016
A soil sampling reference site: the challenge in defining reference material for sampling.
Paolo de Zorzi1, Sabrina Barbizzi, Maria Belli
1Agenzia per la Protezione dell'Ambiente e per i Servizi Tecnici (APAT), Servizio Metrologia Ambientale, Via di Castel Romano, Rome 100-00128, Italy. paolo.dezorzi@apat.it
Summary
An agricultural reference site was established for soil sampling inter-comparison exercises. This site, characterized for trace elements, can also validate soil sampling strategies for radionuclide investigations.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Science
- Soil Science
- Geochemistry
Background:
- The international SOILSAMP project established a reference site for soil sampling inter-comparison.
- Characterization of trace element content in soil is crucial for understanding spatial and temporal variability.
- Long-lived radionuclides and stable trace elements exhibit similar behaviors in soil environments.
Purpose of the Study:
- To establish a reference site for soil sampling inter-comparison exercises.
- To characterize the spatial and temporal variability of trace element mass fractions in soil.
- To assess the suitability of the trace element-characterized site for radionuclide investigation strategy comparisons.
Main Methods:
- Establishment of an agricultural reference site.
- Comprehensive soil sampling and analysis for trace element content.
- Assessment of spatial and temporal variability of trace element mass fractions.
Main Results:
- The reference site was successfully established and characterized for trace elements.
- Spatial and temporal variability of trace element mass fractions were determined.
- The site's suitability for simulating radionuclide distribution was confirmed.
Conclusions:
- The established reference site is effective for soil sampling inter-comparison exercises.
- Trace element characterization provides a basis for simulating radionuclide behavior in soil.
- The site can be utilized to compare and validate soil sampling strategies for radionuclide investigations.
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