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Title: FIELD SURVEYING TECHNIQUES/ASSESSMENT AND DIAGNOSIS OF SALINITY PROBLEMS

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

Submitted to: Book Chapter
Publication Type: Government Publication
Publication Acceptance Date: 4/28/2005
Publication Date: 5/2/2005
Citation: Lesch, S.M., Corwin, D.L. 2005. Field surveying techniques/assessment and diagnosis of salinity problems. USDA-NRCS Conservtion Program Book #2. National Employment Development Center, Washington DC. pp:1-41.

Interpretive Summary: This book chapter is designed to expose NRCS conservation personal to current salinity assessment technologies; specifically those technologies relying on the use and interpretation of soil conductivity surveying instruments (such as the Geonics EM38 meter, etc.). The first part of the chapter presents a general overview of current salinity assessment technologies. This overview includes (i) the operation and calibration of typical electromagnetic induction meters, (ii) the design and development of mobilized soil conductivity assessment (MSCA) systems, and (iii) the common sampling and modeling techniques currently used to infer soil salinity from conductivity survey data. The second part of the chapter then presents five practical surveying examples. These five examples highlight and demonstrate the various types of salinity related information that can be inferred from conductivity survey data and directed soil sampling.

Technical Abstract: This book chapter reviews and describes the collection and analysis of soil conductivity survey data for the purpose of agricultural salinity assessment. Current salinity assessment technologies are reviewed; including (i) the operation and calibration of typical electromagnetic induction meters, (ii) the design and development of mobilized soil conductivity assessment (MSCA) systems, and (iii) the common sampling and modeling techniques currently used to infer soil salinity from conductivity survey data. Five practical surveying examples are discussed that highlight and demonstrate the various types of salinity related information inferred from conductivity survey data and directed soil sampling. These examples include (i) depth-specific salinity maps, (ii) projected yield loss maps, (iii) steady-state leaching fraction maps, (iv) maps of secondary soil properties, and (v) techniques for precisely locating tile line grids and identifying damaged tile lines.