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ARS Home » Plains Area » Lincoln, Nebraska » Agroecosystem Management Research » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #179534
Title: USE OF AN ACTIVE SENSOR TO ESTIMATE SOIL ORGANIC MATTER AT PLANTING

Author
item Schepers, James
item HOLLAND, K - HOLLAND SCIENTIFIC
item Shanahan, John
item Francis, Dennis

Submitted to: Agronomy Abstracts
Publication Type: Abstract Only
Publication Acceptance Date: 8/1/2004
Publication Date: 11/1/2004
Citation: Schepers, J.S., Holland, K., Shanahan, J.F., Francis, D.D. 2004. Use of an active sensor to estimate soil organic matter at planting. Agronomy Abstracts #5341.

Interpretive Summary:

Technical Abstract: Causes of spatial variability in crop yield have intrigued farmers, consultants, and scientists for years. Some physical relationships like soil color are known to have a strong bearing on crop yields through influences on other properties like water holding capacity and mineralization potential. Yet, spatially reliable measures of soil color are sometimes difficult to acquire through aerial photography. In addition, crop residues make it difficult to assess soil color and thus organic matter content. An active sensor designed for use on crop canopies was tested for mapping soil color at planting and cultivation of corn to eliminate the influence of shadows caused by clouds and to minimize the effects of residue cover on soil reflectance. Freshly tilled soil provided good contrast in color that was useful in delineating management zones for soil sampling.