Application of an original soil tillage resistance sensor in spatial prediction of selected soil properties

Abstract

Horizontal and vertical variability of soil properties, temporal dynamics, and the complexity of monitoring and prediction processes are the limiting factors for full implementation of all the postulates of site specific crop management. The aim of this research was to prove the possibilities for utilization of original soil tillage resistance measuring device in spatial assessment of some physical properties of soil.The tillage resistance measurement and soil evaluation were performed in 2012 on a field of 0.78ha, with calcic chernozem type of soil. The year before, the field was divided into three equal plots where three types of tillage were applied (moldboard plowing, disc harrowing and chisel plowing) in order to increase spatial soil differences and to ensure more reliable testing. Soil physical properties were observed at 30 points that were arranged on the nodes of a rectangular grid all over the field along with their geopositioning. Soil tillage resistance was measured in real time and space, during 30 passes that were made on the entire field by a standard tractor and plow.The tillage management applied in 2011 resulted in the differences of some soil parameters. Significant differences between the field plots arose with respect to cone index, moisture content and soil tillage resistance. However, no differences arose regarding the texture (sand, silt+clay content) and bulk density. The correlation analysis showed a high positive correlation between soil resistance and cone index (R=0.82) and a negative correlation between soil resistance and moisture content (R=−0.41). Fitting of variograms in the modeling of spatial correlation gave the highest prediction error for cone index (13.9%), then for tillage resistance (9.32%), sand content (3.95%), moisture content (3.34%), bulk density (2.4%), and finally clay+silt content (2.2%). The generated maps showed that the soil compaction, moisture and tillage resistance had certain orientations with respect to the field plots.