Soil-to-potato transfer of 137Cs in an area of Belarus: regression analysis of the transfer factor against 137Cs deposition and soil characteristics

Activity concentrations of 137Cs were measured in 325 samples of soil and potato which were taken from fields with various levels of 137Cs deposition. Soil samples were also analysed for pH(KCl) and concentrations of K2O, P2O5, CaO and MgO. The soil-potato transfer factor TF=Cspotato/Cssoil, where Cspotato and Cssoil are activity concentrations of 137Cs in potato and soil respectively, was calculated. Analysis of relationships between the TF and measured variables showed a decreasing trend in TF with increasing 137Cs, K2O, CaO and P2O5 in soddy-podzolic soil. The regression function of the transfer factor over wide ranges of 137Cs, K2O, CaO and P2O5 contents in soil was derived. According to the regression analysis results, dispersion of the TF is governed by the levels of 137Cs and K2O in soil.