Utilizing on-the-go soil sensors to explore correlations between electrical conductivity, soil reflectance, slope, and elevation of mississippi farm soils

Authors: Fletcher, Reginald

Submitted to: Agricultural Sciences
Publication Type: Peer Reviewed Journal
Publication Acceptance Date: 1/11/2025
Publication Date: 1/14/2024
Citation: Fletcher, R.S. 2024. Utilizing on-the-go soil sensors to explore correlations between electrical conductivity, soil reflectance, slope, and elevation of mississippi farm soils. Agricultural Sciences. Agricultural Sciences, 16, 112-122. https://doi.org/10.4236/as.2025.161007.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.4236/as.2025.161007

Interpretive Summary: Despite the growing body of literature on apparent soil electrical conductivity and reflectance, significant gaps remain in understanding their interrelationships in Mississippi, particularly when considering the influence of geographical factors. This study evaluated the correlations among apparent soil electrical conductivity, location, soil reflectance, and elevation based on measurements collected by an on-the-go soil sensor system. Two locations were evaluated in the study. At site one, moderate variation was observed in soil electrical conductivity. The other location exhibited more significant variation, particularly in electrical conductivity at different depths. The relationships among the measurements were complex and often nonlinear, emphasizing the importance of continuous monitoring and advanced modeling to better understand the changing nature of soil properties, which can have a significant impact on farming practices. Future research should explore the underlying mechanisms driving variability in the soil characteristics to enhance soil management strategies at the study sites.

Technical Abstract: Ten physical and environmental variables collected from an on-the-go soil sensor at two field sites (MF3E and MF11S) in Mississippi, USA, were analyzed to assess soil variability and the interrelationships among the measurements. At MF3E, moderate variability was observed in apparent electrical conductivity shallow (ECas), slope, and ECa ratio measurements, with coefficients of variation ranging from 20% to 27%. In contrast, MF11S exhibited higher variability, particularly in ECas and ECad (deep) measurements, which exceeded 30% in their coefficient of variation values, indicating significant differences in soil composition and moisture content. Correlation analysis revealed strong positive relationships between the near-infrared-to-red ratio and red reflectance (r = 0.897***) soil values at MF3E. MF11S demonstrated a strong negative correlation between ECas and ECad readings with the x-coordinate (r < -0.7***). Scatter plots and fitted models illustrated the complexity of relationships, with many showing nonlinear trends. These findings emphasize the need for continuous monitoring and advanced modeling to understand the dynamic nature of soil properties and their implications for agricultural practices. Future research should explore the underlying mechanisms driving variability in the soil characteristics to enhance soil management strategies at the study sites.