IAEA Launches High-Tech Soil Monitoring Project for Climate-Resilient Farming
“Informed soil management starts with accurate data,” said Gerd Dercon, Head of the IAEA Soil & Water Management & Crop Nutrition Laboratory.

The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has launched an innovative Coordinated Research Project (CRP D12015) that harnesses the power of gamma-ray spectrometry (GRS) and digital technologies—including drones, satellite imagery, and advanced analytics—to transform how soil health is assessed and managed. The initiative aims to provide precision-driven, sustainable agricultural solutions in a world grappling with climate change and resource scarcity.
With global agriculture consuming nearly 70% of freshwater—yet achieving less than 50% efficiency—and over 75 billion tonnes of topsoil lost annually due to erosion, this project arrives at a crucial moment. The degradation of soil affects not only food production but also climate resilience, water retention, and nutrient cycling—core elements of sustainable ecosystems.
“Informed soil management starts with accurate data,” said Gerd Dercon, Head of the IAEA Soil & Water Management & Crop Nutrition Laboratory. “This coordinated research project will provide practical protocols and tools to generate actionable soil information from nuclear-based assessments.”
Gamma-Ray Spectrometry: A Nuclear Technique for Smarter Soil Monitoring
At the heart of the project is gamma-ray spectrometry (GRS), a powerful, non-invasive technique that measures natural gamma radiation emitted by radionuclides—primarily potassium (K), uranium (U), and thorium (Th)—in soils. These elements provide key insights into soil composition and fertility.
Unlike traditional soil sampling, GRS can be conducted using:
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Stationary detectors placed in fields
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Mobile units on vehicles
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Drone-mounted sensors for aerial surveys
This flexibility allows for high-resolution, spatially rich assessments of soil texture, moisture content, total carbon and nitrogen levels, and other critical attributes—without disturbing the land.
Integration with Digital and Remote Sensing Tools
The IAEA project is more than just nuclear science; it represents a cutting-edge convergence of disciplines. GRS outputs will be merged with:
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Satellite imagery to visualize soil conditions over large areas
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Geographic Information Systems (GIS) for mapping
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Machine learning algorithms to identify patterns and predict soil behavior
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Field-level analytics to provide actionable guidance to farmers and policymakers
The goal is to create precision soil maps that reflect real-time conditions and support data-informed interventions such as targeted fertilizer application, optimized irrigation, and erosion control.
By equipping decision-makers with accessible, accurate soil data, the project will help reduce water and nutrient waste, boost crop yields, and enhance climate resilience in farming systems across diverse regions.
Project Objectives and Expected Impact
This five-year initiative will:
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Standardize GRS protocols across participating countries
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Develop new calibration techniques for GRS detectors
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Create open-source digital tools for data integration and interpretation
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Support capacity building and training for scientists and agricultural professionals
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Encourage policy development for sustainable land and water use
By scaling up the use of GRS in tandem with digital innovation, the IAEA seeks to mainstream science-based agricultural decision-making and help countries meet their Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)—especially SDG 2 (Zero Hunger), SDG 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation), and SDG 13 (Climate Action).
Call for Participation: Deadline 3 August 2025
The IAEA is inviting research institutions worldwide to participate in CRP D12015. Interested institutions must submit a Proposal for Research Contract or Agreement by 3 August 2025, via email to the IAEA Research Contracts Administration Section. Proposal templates and submission guidelines are available on the IAEA Coordinated Research Activities (CRA) website.
In keeping with its commitment to diversity and inclusion, the IAEA strongly encourages applications from women scientists and institutions in developing countries.
A Leap Toward Smart, Resilient Agriculture
The launch of CRP D12015 reflects the IAEA’s ongoing dedication to applying nuclear techniques for sustainable development. With pressures mounting from climate change, population growth, and resource degradation, smart soil monitoring has never been more urgent.
This project signals a future where farmers, scientists, and policymakers are empowered by data—not burdened by guesswork—to preserve soil health, ensure food security, and protect natural resources for generations to come.