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ARS Home » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #110142
Title: SOIL CHARACTERIZATION USING A NEAR-INFRARED PENETROMETER

Author
item AHMAD, IRFAN - UNIV OF ILLINOIS
item Hummel, John
item Sudduth, Kenneth - Ken

Submitted to: American Society of Agricultural Engineers Meetings Papers
Publication Type: Abstract Only
Publication Acceptance Date: 3/13/2000
Publication Date: N/A
Citation: N/A

Interpretive Summary:

Technical Abstract: Soil penetration resistance continues to be an important research topic in site-specific applications. Soil compaction can restrict root growth and water infiltration, resulting in yield reduction. Maps of yield monitor data aid in visualization of variations in yield, without identifying underlying factors for these variations. Soil penetration resistance can help identify areas where soil physical characteristics are negatively impacting yield. There is a wide array of penetration devices available to measure penetration resistance. But penetration resistance is a function of moisture content and soil type as well as compaction. This paper discusses the development and testing of a penetrometer equipped with a near-infrared (NIR) reflectance sensor to also measure moisture content and organic matter. The combined instrument was tested on a selection of soil types with varying moisture contents in stationary and traverse modes.