Mapping of Spatial and Vertical Variation of Soil Mechanical Resistance Using a Linear Pressure Model

摘要

Mechanical soil resistance is a factor that can affect crop yield. Knowing its spatial variability provides possibilities for site-specific soil treatments that can increase profitability and sustainability of crop production. Determination of soil resistance at different depths is also necessary/ to establish proper management strategies. A vertical blade with an array of four strain gauges was used to map both spatial and vertical variation of mechanical soil resistance. A linear model for varyinghorizontal resistance with depth was used to derive a set of mathematical equations. A prototype automated soil resistance measuring system was tested in a commercial field as well as in small plots under different tillage treatments. Collected data wascompared to cone penetrometer readings obtained from these plots.