An innovative neutron spectrometer for soil moisture measurements

Abstract Soil moisture is a crucial variable in evaluating soil properties and its interaction with the atmosphere, yet none of techniques currently employed fully adequate for water content over an area hectares depth tens centimeters. In recent times, it has been shown how this volume can be accurately assessed measuring changes epithermal flux cosmic neutrons, which extremely sensitive to moderation caused by hydrogen. The instruments neutron measurements are usually counters, covered moderator coatings enhancing their sensitivity energy range. On other hand, worldwide shortage $${}^{3}$$ 3 He considerable increase costs associated manufacturing proportional counters based on gas, were widely great noise rejection capability. work, we developed He-free spectrometer performing these measurements, detects neutrons range from 0.01 ev 1 GeV. reconstruction spectrum allows more accurate evaluation provides information improves quality measurements. Irradiations performed sources $${}^{241}$$ 241 Am AmBe allowed evaluate spectrometric capability instrument, whereas assess radiation. instrument slightly less than one employed, access should provide greater accuracy