Antonangelo, J., Zhang, H. Assessment of portable X-ray fluorescence (pXRF) for plant-available nutrient prediction in biochar-amended soils. Sci Rep14, 20377 (2024). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-024-71381-8

Portable X-ray fluorescence (pXRF) is a tool used for rapid soil element analysis, but its use in predicting plant-available nutrients is still under investigation. In a recent study, researchers examined the ability of pXRF to estimate nutrient concentrations in soils treated with two biocharBiochar is a carbon-rich material created from biomass decomposition in low-oxygen conditions. It has important applications in environmental remediation, soil improvement, agriculture, carbon sequestration, energy storage, and sustainable materials, promoting efficiency and reducing waste in various contexts while addressing climate change challenges. More types—switchgrass biochar (SGB) and poultry litter biochar (PLB)—over different pHpH is a measure of how acidic or alkaline a substance is. A pH of 7 is neutral, while lower pH values indicate acidity and higher values indicate alkalinity. Biochars are normally alkaline and can influence soil pH, often increasing it, which can be beneficial More levels and organic carbon content.

The study involved two experiments: one with soil alone and another with soil planted with ryegrass. pXRF readings were compared to traditional wet chemistry methods for extracting plant-available nutrients such as phosphorus (P), potassium (K), calcium (Ca), and magnesium (Mg). The results showed that pXRF was effective in predicting available phosphorus, particularly in biochar-amended soils. However, the prediction of potassium was inconsistent, especially when plants were present, as K availability is influenced by plant growth. Other nutrients like calcium and sulfur showed variability between the two experiments.

Linear regression models worked well for phosphorus but were less reliable for other nutrients. Stepwise multiple linear regression (SMLR) models performed better overall, but further research is needed to refine these models and account for soil heterogeneity and plant effects.

In conclusion, pXRF shows promise for rapid phosphorus assessment in biochar-amended soils, but more evaluations are required before it can replace traditional methods for broader nutrient management.