Year: 2025
Type: article
Abstract: . This study explores the relationship between soil magnetic susceptibility (π
) and cation exchange capacity (πΆπΈπΆ) across diverse European soils, aiming to enhance pedotransfer functions (PTFs) for soil πΆπΈπΆ using near-surface electromagnetic geophysics. We hypothesize that soil π
, can improve the prediction of πΆπΈπΆ by reflecting the soilβs mineralogical composition, particularly in sandy soils. We collected data from 49 soil samples in vertical profiles across Belgium, the Netherlands, and Serbia, including π
in field conditions (π
β), low and high frequency π
in the laboratory, in-site electrical conductivity (π), iron content, soil texture, humus content, bulk density, water content, water pH, and πΆπΈπΆ. We used these properties as features to develop univariable and multivariable (in pairs) polynomial regressions to predict πΆπΈπΆ for sandy and clayey soils. Results indicate that π
β significantly improves πΆπΈπΆ predictions in sandy soils, independent of clay content, with a combined π
β - π model achieving the highest predictive performance (R2 = 0.94). In contrast, laboratory-measured π
was less effective, likely due to sample disturbance. This study presents a novel πΆπΈπΆ PTF based on π and π
β, offering a rapid, cost-effective method for estimating πΆπΈπΆ in field conditions. While our findings underscore the value of integrating geophysical measurements into soil characterization, further research is needed to refine the π
- πΆπΈπΆ relationship and develop a more widely applicable model.
Source: SOIL
Language: English
Subfield: Environmental Engineering
Field: Environmental Science
Domain: Physical Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $1,110
Funder: Bijzonder Onderzoeksfonds UGent
Award: G3762632338
OpenAlex ID: W7081980325