Soils, Radioactivity, Radiation measurement, Soil testing, Soil surveys, Radioactive pollution, Radioactive materials, Radioactive wastes, Soil sampling, Sampling methods, Test specimens, Specimen preparation

Soil surveys, Radiation measurement, Soil sampling, Soils, Test specimens, Soil testing, Specimen preparation, Radioactivity, Radioactive materials, Radioactive pollution, Radioactive wastes, Sampling methods

The evaluation of radioactive releases to the environment is important for the support of sustainable development of agriculture, due to the potential for released radioactivity to enter food chain. The impact of radionuclides on the food chains are normally assessed by means of measurements of radioactivity in environmental samples, which include soils, feedstuffs, foodstuffs, and water. Sampling of agricultural soils and food, as well as measurement of various radionuclides for radioactivity requires efficient, cheap, effective and easily implemented techniques. The lack of such techniques may prevent the development of national infrastructures in providing the required level of food safety. This document provides the standard operating procedures (SOPs) for sampling and measurements of radionuclides in agriculture. It also includes an overview of the techniques relevant for agricultural soil and crops. Supplementary techniques such as the assessment of radiocaesium mobility in soils are also presented. The document is intended for individuals and authorities dealing with sampling and measurement of radionuclides in agricultural environments, and answered the many request for assistance from the IAEA Members in radionuclide measurements in agricultural soils and food items.