GPR imaging of traffic compaction effects on soil structures

Akinniyi Akinsunmade

doi:10.1007/s11600-020-00530-0

Abstract

Spatial and depth variability of soil characteristics greatly influence its optimum utilization and management. Concealing nature of soil subsurface horizons has made the traditional soil investigations which rely on point information less reliable. In this study, an alternative use of ground penetrating radar (GPR)—a near-surface geophysical survey method—was tested to address the shortcomings. The focus of the study was on assessment of characteristics variability of soil layers at a test site and evaluation of effects of compaction caused by machinery traffics on soil. GPR methods utilize electromagnetic energy in the frequency range of 10 MHz and 3.0 GHz. Fourteen profiles GPR data were acquired at the test site-a farmland in Krakow, Poland. Compaction on parts of the soil was induced using tractor movements (simulating traffic effects) at different passes. Data were processed using basic filtering algorithms and attributes computations executed in Reflexw software. Attempt made in the study was on use of GPR geophysical technique for soil assessment. The method allows delineation of the soil horizons which depicts characteristic depth changes and spatial variability within the horizons. Moreover, traffic effects that caused compaction on parts of the soil horizons were discernable from the GPR profile sections. Thus, similar densification like hardpan that may develop in natural setting can be investigated using the method. The results have shown the suitability of the method for quick, noninvasive and continuous soil investigation that may also allow assessment of temporal soil changes via repeated measurement.

Highlights

Soil is so important to continuous existence of human life and needs to be assessed because of its non-renewable characteristics
Efforts made in this study were to assess effects of compaction induced by traffic at different passes on identified soil horizons
The results have shown delineation of soil horizons with visible distorted continuity at traffic points

Summary

Introduction

Soil is so important to continuous existence of human life and needs to be assessed because of its non-renewable characteristics. It is a common knowledge that the Earth’s population is increasing geometrically and basic products and necessity of life have their roots in the soil. (Weil and Brady 2017) postulate that World population may be stabilized at 9–10 billion in the Twenty-first century. Real extent of soil available to meet the demands will not increase. It is pertinent to maintain and manage the available ones. Human activities in the area of agricultural activities have significantly. Communicated by Michal Malinowski (CO-EDITOR-INCHIEF)/Bogdan Mihai NICULESCU, Assoc.

Methods

Results

Conclusion