Application of Neutron Radiography and Activation Analysis in Agriculture Field

Abstract

Application of neutron beam technique, neutron radiography and instrumental neutron activation analysis, in agriculture field is presented. In the case of neutron radiography (NRG), non-destructive analyzing method of root development has an advantage for the development of the late releasing fertilizer, because NRG visualizes the root imbedded in soil during its growth. When the resolution of the image is developed to be as high as to analyze water movement within a seed, NRG might be an important tool in seed or food treatment. Instrumental neutron activation analysis (INAA) has a great advantage, for it enables to measure the absolute amount of trace elements, non-destructively. With its high sensitivity to determine the heavy elements, INAA is expected for its wide application to analyze environmental samples.