X-Ray Diffraction

Since the discovery of single-crystal X-ray diffraction (XRD), various X-ray diffractometers have been developed and utilized for the identification, characterization and quantification of soil components because of their convenience, efficiency, accuracy and non-destruction. Amongst soil components, soil minerals often act as an indicator of diagenesis in soil, which can be identified and quantified by XRD techniques. Basic principles, methodology and instrumentation of XRD and factors affecting the XRD signal strength are described in this chapter. Moreover, the application of XRD in soil analysis is revealed, especially for soil mineral qualification, soil mineral quantification and soil evolution.