Rubidium measured by XRF as a predictor of soil particle size in limestone and siliceous parent materials

Abstract Purpose Information about particle size distribution (PSD) and soil texture is essential for understanding drainage, porosity, nutrient availability, trafficability. The sieve-pipette/gravimetric method traditionally used analysis labour-intensive resource-intensive. X-ray fluorescence (XRF) spectrometry may provide a rapid alternative. study’s aim was to examine the use of XRF determination PSD in Irish soils. Methods Soils ( n = 355) from existing archives Ireland were analysed with benchtop energy-dispersive (EDXRF). Correlation regression analyses determined compare Rb, Fe, Al, Si concentrations % clay, silt, sand. Also, linear models developed sand, silt measured by gravimetric values predicted EDXRF. Results relationship between element concentration dependent on parent material. Fe showed significant p < 0.05) correlation r > 0.50) clay sand soils derived limestone siliceous stone materials. Rb best predictor R 2 0.49, RMSE 10.20) stone-derived Conclusion Geochemistry mineralogy soils’ material strongly influenced EDXRF’s ability predict size. EDXRF could materials which weather easily, but opposite true recalcitrant weathering. In conclusion, this study has shown that can screen