ARS | Publication request: Combined use of neutron thermalization and electromagnetic sensing in assessing soil water dynamics

Submitted to: International Atomic Energy Agency
Publication Type: Popular Publication
Publication Acceptance Date: July 26, 2011
Publication Date: July 29, 2011
Citation: Schwartz, R.C., Evett, S.R. 2011. Combined use of neutron thermalization and electromagnetic sensing in assessing soil water dynamics. International Atomic Energy Agency. 34:(1)17-19.

Technical Abstract: Agriculture is by far the largest consumer of available fresh water, accounting for 70% of withdrawals worldwide. By meeting increased future demands for food and fiber, our needs will need to be met by improving the efficient use of both irrigation and precipitation for crop production. Field crop research aimed at evaluating the efficiency of water use by crops invariably requires some form of monitoring changes in soil water with time. Such measurements integrate the irrigation, precipitation, evapotranspiration and deep drainage history that affects the aggregate response of the system, which is manifested as soil water storage. These dynamic processes are important in evaluating the efficiency with which crop cultivars, irrigation strategies, cropping, and tillage systems utilize available soil water for grain and biomass production.