The use of X- and /spl gamma/-rays dedicated computerized minitomography scanner in agriculture due to the limitations imposed by medical computerized tomography scanners

Abstract

In 1987 at the Center for Instrumentation (CNPDIA) of the Brazilian Enterprise for Agricultural Research Center (EMBRAPA) an X- and /spl gamma/-rays computerized minitomography scanner was developed for multidisciplinary use. Since 1987 several multidisciplinary works have been carried out from CNPDIA, mainly related to applications to soil physics. In the present study, the importance of the use of dedicated CT scanners and data processing is demonstrated for the evaluation of soil bulk density. For comparison we also outline measurements using a third generation medical computerized tomography scanner. Results show the usefulness of the use of a dedicated CT scanner mainly due to image contrast characteristics and cost.