Analysis of soil variability measured with a soil strength sensor

• Published in: Precision agriculture Vol. 5; no. 3; pp. 227 - 246
• Main Authors: Hanquet, B, Sirjacobs, D, Destain, M.F, Frankinet, M, Verbrugge, J.C
• Format: Journal Article Web Resource
• Language: English
• Published: Dordrecht Springer Nature B.V 01.06.2004; Kluwer Academic Publishers
• Subjects: correlation; Earth sciences & physical geography; Engineering, computing & technology; Ingénierie mécanique; Ingénierie, informatique & technologie; measurement; Mechanical engineering; Physical properties; Physical, chemical, mathematical & earth Sciences; Physique, chimie, mathématiques & sciences de la terre; precision agriculture; Precision farming; Sciences de la terre & géographie physique; sensor; Sensors; Soil analysis; soil mapping; Soil moisture; Soil physical properties; Soil strength; soil texture; soil variability; soil water content; Soils; statistical analysis; tillage; Belgium
• ISSN: 1385-2256; 1573-1618; 1573-1618
• DOI: 10.1023/B:PRAG.0000032763.54104.b4

In the context of precision agriculture, the knowledge of soil strength variability at the field scale may be useful for improving site-specific tillage. Moreover, rapid and accurate sensing methods for soil physical properties determination would favourably replace labour-intensive, time-consuming and expensive soil sampling and analysis. This study aims at validating conclusions of a previous study which was conducted to develop and test a soil strength sensor in field conditions. The coupled acquisition of the sensor's signals and the corresponding DGPS positions allowed establishment of maps for the three measured outputs, namely the horizontal force (Fx), the vertical force (Fz) and the moment (My). In order to study the relationships between measured forces and soil physical parameters, a series of soil properties were measured on soil cores collected in 10 reference plots. Significant correlations were found between Fx and the average resistance to cone penetration at 25 cm depth (r = 0.95) and between Fx and average soil moisture at 30 cm depth (r = -0.95). These relationships were similar to those found in the first study. This sensing method proved its capability to characterise within-field soil variability.