Agricultural Soil Monitoring
Agricultural Soil Monitoring - Related Videos
08:09
Measuring and Mapping Patterns of Soil Erosion and Deposition Related to Soil Carbonate Concentrations Under Agricultural Management
0 Views •
Cited by 1 •
2017
Spatial patterns of soil erosion and deposition can be inferred from differences in ground elevation mapped at appropriate time increments. Such changes in elevation are related to changes in near-surface soil carbonates. Repeatable methods for field and laboratory measurements of these quantities and data analysis methods are described here.
13:38
Isolation of Native Soil Microorganisms with Potential for Breaking Down Biodegradable Plastic Mulch Films Used in Agriculture
0 Views •
Cited by 25 •
2013
Plastic films labeled "biodegradable" are commercially available for agricultural use as mulches. Tillage represents an attractive disposal method, but degradation under field conditions is poorly understood. The purpose of this study was to develop methods for isolating native soil fungi and bacteria that colonize plastic mulch films after field burial.
12:50
Continuous Instream Monitoring of Nutrients and Sediment in Agricultural Watersheds
0 Views •
Cited by 3 •
2017
With the advancement of technology and the rise in end-user expectations, the need and use of higher temporal resolution data for pollutant load estimation has increased. This protocol describes a method for continuous in situ water quality monitoring to obtain higher temporal resolution data for informed water resource management decisions.
09:16
Methods of Soil Resampling to Monitor Changes in the Chemical Concentrations of Forest Soils
0 Views •
Cited by 19 •
2016
Repeated soil sampling has recently been shown to be an effective way to monitor forest soil change over years and decades. To support its use, a protocol is presented that synthesizes the latest information on soil resampling methods to aid in the design and implementation of successful soil monitoring programs.
07:40
A Gusseted Thermogradient Table to Control Soil Temperatures for Evaluating Plant Growth and Monitoring Soil Processes
0 Views •
Cited by 5 •
2016
Traditional thermogradient tables create a range of temperatures across the surface. Welding gussets perpendicular to the surface of a thermogradient table will control temperature in depth increasing possible research applications.
FAQs
Volumetric water content is estimated indirectly through changes in soil dielectric permittivity. A sensor detects how the soil’s electrical response shifts as the amount of water changes, then uses that relationship to track moisture conditions. This physical measurement converts an otherwise difficult-to-observe soil variable into data that can support irrigation decisions and drought response.
Electrical conductivity contributes information about patterns associated with salinity, soil texture, and nutrient distribution. Interpreting conductivity alongside other measurements helps assess differences among field areas and identify conditions relevant to fertilizer management and drainage. Its value comes from connecting an electrical measurement with spatial variation in the soil environment.
Soil conditions can vary substantially with position and depth, so a single reading may not represent an entire field. Sampling multiple locations and layers captures this variability and makes comparisons more meaningful. The resulting measurements can reveal where water, salinity, texture, or nutrient-related conditions differ, supporting more targeted crop management.
Temperature and related measurements add another physical dimension to soil assessment. Combined with water-content and conductivity readings, they provide a broader picture of conditions associated with salinity, texture, and nutrient distribution. This integrated dataset supports comparisons among field zones and strengthens the evidence used to guide management decisions.
A practical workflow begins by selecting monitoring locations and depths that represent field variability. Measurements of water content, electrical conductivity, temperature, and related properties are then collected over time or across mapped areas. Comparing these results helps identify conditions requiring attention and connects physical observations with irrigation, fertilizer, drainage, or drought-management decisions.
The measurements are useful when irrigation must be scheduled, fertilizer distribution evaluated, drainage conditions assessed, or crops managed during drought. Moisture data indicate changing water conditions, while conductivity and related measurements add information about salinity, texture, and nutrient distribution. Together, these observations can reduce resource waste and support more stable yields.
Continuous measurements show how soil conditions change over time, while spatial mapping shows how they differ across a field. Combining both perspectives supports precision agriculture by linking management decisions to specific zones and changing conditions. The same data also improve models of soil-plant interactions, providing a stronger basis for interpreting crop responses and planning interventions.