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ARS Home » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #150472
Title: APPARENT SOIL ELECTRICAL CONDUCTIVITY MAPPING AS AN AGRICULTURAL MANAGEMENT TOOL IN ARID ZONE SOILS

Author
item LESCH, SCOTT - UC RIVERSIDE, CA
item Corwin, Dennis
item Robinson, David

Submitted to: Computers and Electronics in Agriculture
Publication Type: Peer Reviewed Journal
Publication Acceptance Date: 6/25/2004
Publication Date: 3/1/2005
Citation: Lesch, S.M., Corwin, D.L., Robinson, D.A. 2005. Apparent soil electrical conductivity mapping as an agricultural management tool in arid zone soils. Computers and Electronics in Agriculture. 46:351-378

Interpretive Summary: Electromagnetic induction (EM) is a commonly used tool for non-invasive mapping of bulk soil electrical conductivity (ECa). In this paper we examine three applications of EM surveying used in arid southwestern US agriculture: repetitive salinity mapping, soil texture mapping, and locating buried tile lines. These applications are described and demonstrated using data from three different field survey projects. In the first study, pre- and post-EM surveys are used to quantify the degree of salt removal from a field leaching event. The second study demonstrates the use of EM survey data for soil texture mapping under non-saline conditions. The final study represents an example of how EM survey data can be used to precisely locate the positions of buried tile lines.

Technical Abstract: Electromagnetic induction (EM) is a commonly used tool for non-invasive mapping of bulk soil electrical conductivity (ECa). In this paper we examine three applications of EM surveying used in arid southwestern US agriculture: repetitive salinity mapping, soil texture mapping, and locating buried tile lines. The statistical modeling techniques associated with each application are described and then demonstrated using data from three different field survey projects. In the first study, pre- and post-EM surveys are used to quantify the degree of salt removal from a field leaching event. The second study demonstrates the use of EM survey data for soil texture mapping under non-saline conditions. The final study represents an example of how EM survey data can be used to precisely locate the positions of buried tile lines. These projects demonstrate three applications of ECa surveying techniques used to derive spatial information that aids in the effective management of agricultural fields.