scholarly journals Field Calibration of TDR to Assess the Soil Moisture of Drained Peatland Surface Layers

Water ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 10 (12) ◽  
pp. 1842 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tomasz Gnatowski ◽  
Jan Szatyłowicz ◽  
Bogumiła Pawluśkiewicz ◽  
Ryszard Oleszczuk ◽  
Maria Janicka ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Dielectric Constant ◽  
Soil Moisture ◽  
Moisture Content ◽  
Soil Moisture Content ◽  
Mean Squared Error ◽  
Time Domain Reflectometry ◽  
Calibration Model ◽  
Surface Layers ◽  
Calibration Equation ◽  
North East

The proper monitoring of soil moisture content is important to understand water-related processes in peatland ecosystems. Time domain reflectometry (TDR) is a popular method used for soil moisture content measurements, the applicability of which is still challenging in field studies due to requirements regarding the calibration curve which converts the dielectric constant into the soil moisture content. The main objective of this study was to develop a general calibration equation for the TDR method based on simultaneous field measurements of the dielectric constant and gravimetric water content in the surface layers of degraded peatlands. Data were collected during field campaigns conducted temporarily between the years 2006 and 2016 at the drained peatland Kuwasy located in the north-east area of Poland. Based on the data analysis, a two-slopes linear calibration equation was developed as a general broken-line model (GBLM). A site-specific calibration model (SSM-D) for the TDR method was obtained in the form of a two-slopes equation describing the relationship between the soil moisture content and the dielectric constant and introducing the bioindices as covariates relating to plant species biodiversity and the state of the habitats. The root mean squared error for the GBLM and SSM-D models were equal, respectively, at 0.04 and 0.035 cm3 cm−3.

Determining Moisture Content of Soil Layers with Time Domain Reflectometry and Micromechanics

2008 ◽  
Vol 2053 (1) ◽  
pp. 30-38 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sang Ick Lee ◽  
Dan G. Zollinger ◽  
Robert L. Lytton
Keyword(s):  
Dielectric Constant ◽  
Soil Moisture ◽  
Moisture Content ◽  
Water Content ◽  
Time Domain ◽  
Soil Moisture Content ◽  
Time Domain Reflectometry ◽  
Volumetric Water Content ◽  
Dry Density

Although the moisture condition of pavement sublayers can significantly affect pavement performance, accurate interpretation of in situ soil moisture measurements has been difficult to achieve because of the limitations of existing methods. Time domain reflectometry (TDR), originally developed to detect breaks or shorts in electrical conductors, has been used for measuring parameters related to the in situ soil moisture content. However, the apparent length method currently used to determine dielectric constant ignores other electrical properties of the conducting medium that may affect the interpretation of TDR trace to determine soil moisture. Furthermore, the existing methods for computing volumetric water content ignore the variations of dry density and determine the model parameters with assumption or regression analysis. These deficiencies can, in many cases, create a significant systematic error in the final determination of volumetric water content. To minimize these errors and improve the accuracy of moisture content estimate, a new three-step approach was proposed. The approach uses the transmission line equation to calculate the dielectric constant, conductivity, and reflectivity of a soil mixture. A micromechanics and self-consistent scheme was used to determine the volumetric moisture content and dry density on the basis of calibrated values of the solid and water dielectric constants. The system identification method was used iteratively to solve for dielectric parameters, soil moisture content, and dry density values. The validation of the new approach with ground-truth data indicated that the calculated errors were significantly less than those of existing method.

Distribution of soil moisture content and its effect on the potential growth of the over-story species in North-East Chalkidiki

2001 ◽  
Vol 66 ◽  
Author(s):  
M. Aslanidou ◽  
P. Smiris
Keyword(s):  
Soil Moisture ◽  
Moisture Content ◽  
Soil Moisture Content ◽  
Soil Depth ◽  
Moisture Distribution ◽  
Taxus Baccata ◽  
Mixed Stands ◽  
Potential Growth ◽  
North East ◽  
Soil Moisture Distribution

This  study deals with the soil moisture distribution and its effect on the  potential growth and    adaptation of the over-story species in north-east Chalkidiki. These  species are: Quercus    dalechampii Ten, Quercus  conferta Kit, Quercus  pubescens Willd, Castanea  sativa Mill, Fagus    moesiaca Maly-Domin and also Taxus baccata L. in mixed stands  with Fagus moesiaca.    Samples of soil, 1-2 kg per 20cm depth, were taken and the moisture content  of each sample    was measured in order to determine soil moisture distribution and its  contribution to the growth    of the forest species. The most important results are: i) available water  is influenced by the soil    depth. During the summer, at a soil depth of 10 cm a significant  restriction was observed. ii) the    large duration of the dry period in the deep soil layers has less adverse  effect on stands growth than in the case of the soil surface layers, due to the fact that the root system mainly spreads out    at a soil depth of 40 cm iii) in the beginning of the growing season, the  soil moisture content is    greater than 30 % at a soil depth of 60 cm, in beech and mixed beech-yew  stands, is 10-15 % in    the Q. pubescens  stands and it's more than 30 % at a soil depth of 60 cm in Q. dalechampii    stands.

scholarly journals EFFECTS OF HYDROPHILIC POLYMERS AND ORGANIC AMENDMENTS ON ESTABLISHMENT OF KENTUCKY BLUEGRASS.

HortScience ◽  
1992 ◽  
Vol 27 (6) ◽  
pp. 588a-588
Author(s):  
A. James Downer ◽  
Ben Faber ◽  
Richard White
Keyword(s):  
Soil Moisture ◽  
Moisture Content ◽  
Water Content ◽  
Soil Moisture Content ◽  
Organic Amendments ◽  
Kentucky Bluegrass ◽  
Soil Bulk Density ◽  
Time Domain Reflectometry ◽  
Peat Moss ◽  
Turf Quality

Three polymers (a polyacrylamide, polyacrylate and a propenoate-propenamide copolymer) and three organic amendments (peat moss, wood shavings, and composted yardwaste) were incorporated at five rates in a sandy soil to 15cm depth. Soil moisture content was determined by time domain reflectometry and gravimetrically. Only the highest polymer rates (2928kg/ha [60#/1000sq.ft.]) produced significant increases in soil moisture content and reductions of soil bulk density. Peat moss and yardwaste increased soil water content while shavings decreased water content. Turf quality scores were not affected by polymers but were initially reduced by yardwaste and shavings.

scholarly journals Influência da Densidade na Estimativa da Umidade Volumétrica em um Latossolo Vermelho-Amarelo (Influence of Density in Estimation of Volumetric Moisture an Oxisol)

2013 ◽  
Vol 5 (5) ◽  
pp. 1056 ◽  
Author(s):  
Carlos Alexandre Barros de Almeida ◽  
Antonio Celso Dantas Antonino ◽  
Rejane Magalhaes de Mendonça Pimentel ◽  
Carlos Alberto Brayner de Oliveira Lira ◽  
José Romualdo de Sousa Lima
Keyword(s):  
Dielectric Constant ◽  
Soil Moisture ◽  
Bulk Density ◽  
Time Domain ◽  
Time Domain Reflectometry ◽  
Calibration Equation ◽  
Moisture Sensor ◽  
Soil Moisture Sensor ◽  
Volumetric Soil Moisture ◽  
Use Of Time

A estimativa da umidade volumétrica do solo pode ser realizada por vários métodos, entre eles destaca-se o uso da Reflectometria no Domínio do Tempo (TDR). Este tem como uso padrão, uma equação que relaciona a constante dielétrica do meio com a umidade sugerida pelo manual do fabricante. Este estudo objetivou avaliar a medição a umidade volumétrica do solo pelo sensor CS616. Na sua realização foi feita a calibração deste sensor em laboratório, para quatro camadas em um Latossolo Vermelho-Amarelo que apresentam densidades diferentes. Foram utilizados cinco métodos diferentes, três consagrados pela literatura e outros dois sugeridos por esse estudo. Os resultados permitiram concluir que nesse solo há uma grande disparidade entre os resultados encontrados durante a calibração do sensor e que a densidade do solo é um parâmetro importante nas medições de umidade do solo.Palavras-chave: reflectometria no domínio do tempo, medição direta da água no solo, equação de calibração Influence of Density in Estimation of Volumetric Moisture an Oxisol ABSTRACTThe estimation of volumetric soil moisture can be accomplished by various methods, among them stands out the use of Time Domain Reflectometry (TDR). This standard is to use an equation that relates the dielectric constant of the medium with humidity suggested by the manufacturer's manual. This study aimed to evaluate the measured volumetric soil moisture sensor for the CS616. In its realization was made to calibrate this sensor in the laboratory for four layers in an Latossolo Vermelho-Amarelo which have different densities. Was used five different methods, the literature established three and two others suggested by this study. The results showed that this soil there is great disparity between the results obtained during calibration of the sensor and the bulk density is an important parameter in measurements of soil moisture.Keywords: time domain reflectometry, direct measurement of soil water, calibration equation

scholarly journals Laboratory Measurements of Subsurface Spatial Moisture Content by Ground-Penetrating Radar (GPR) Diffraction and Reflection Imaging of Agricultural Soils

2018 ◽  
Vol 10 (10) ◽  
pp. 1667 ◽  
Author(s):  
Omer Shamir ◽  
Naftaly Goldshleger ◽  
Uri Basson ◽  
Moshe Reshef
Keyword(s):  
Dielectric Constant ◽  
Soil Moisture ◽  
Moisture Content ◽  
Ground Penetrating Radar ◽  
Soil Type ◽  
Soil Moisture Content ◽  
Root Zone ◽  
Effective Dielectric Constant ◽  
Agricultural Practice ◽  
Ground Penetrating

Soil moisture content (SMC) down to the root zone is a major factor for the efficient cultivation of agricultural crops, especially in arid and semi-arid regions. Precise SMC can maximize crop yields (both quality and quantity), prevent crop damage, and decrease irrigation expenses and water waste, among other benefits. This study focuses on the subsurface spatial electromagnetic mapping of physical properties, mainly moisture content, using a ground-penetrating radar (GPR). In the laboratory, GPR measurements were carried out using an 800 MHz central-frequency antenna and conducted in soil boxes with loess soil type (calcic haploxeralf) from the northern Negev, hamra soil type (typic rhodoxeralf) from the Sharon coastal plain, and grumusol soil type (typic chromoxerets) from the Jezreel valley, Israel. These measurements enabled highly accurate, close-to-real-time evaluations of physical soil qualities (i.e., wave velocity and dielectric constant) connected to SMC. A mixture model based mainly on soil texture, porosity, and effective dielectric constant (permittivity) was developed to measure the subsurface spatial volumetric soil moisture content (VSMC) for a wide range of moisture contents. The analysis of the travel times for GPR reflection and diffraction waves enabled calculating electromagnetic velocities, effective dielectric constants, and spatial SMC under laboratory conditions, where the required penetration depth is low (root zone). The average VSMC was determined with an average accuracy of ±1.5% and was correlated to a standard oven-drying method, making this spatial method useful for agricultural practice and for the design of irrigation plans for different interfaces.

Soil moisture content estimation using water absorption bands

GEOMATICA ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 73 (3) ◽  
pp. 63-73 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mohammad Reza Mobasheri ◽  
Meisam Amani ◽  
Mahin Beikpour ◽  
Sahel Mahdavi
Keyword(s):  
Soil Moisture ◽  
Moisture Content ◽  
Water Absorption ◽  
Soil Moisture Content ◽  
Mean Squared Error ◽  
Sandy Loam ◽  
Soil Types ◽  
Accurate Estimation ◽  
Absorption Bands ◽  
New Models

Soil moisture content (SMC) is a crucial component in various environmental studies. Although many models have been proposed for SMC estimation, developing new models for accurate estimation of SMC is still an interesting subject. This study aimed to develop new models for SMC estimation using the water absorption bands in the spectral signatures of three different soil types: loam, silty loam, and sandy loam. Based on the three absorption bands (i.e., 1400, 1900, and 2200 nm) and regression analyses, six approaches were considered. These scenarios were generally based on the reflectance value and its logarithm, as well as the difference between the wet and dry reflectance values for the absorption bands. Finally, 24 models were developed for SMC estimation from the three different soil types, as well as the entire soil samples. The most accurate SMC, as indicated by the lowest root mean squared error (RMSE) and the highest correlation coefficient (r), was obtained from the model developed using the logarithm of the average values reflectance in the three water absorption bands for sandy loam (RMSE = 0.31 g/kg, r = 0.99). Overall, using the spectrometry data derived in the lab, the results of the proposed models were promising and demonstrate great potential for SMC estimation using spectral data collected by satellites in the future studies.

scholarly journals ANALYSIS OF THE EFFECT OF INCIDENCE ANGLE AND MOISTURE CONTENT ON THE PENETRATION DEPTH OF L- AND S-BAND SAR SIGNALS INTO THE GROUND SURFACE

2018 ◽  
Vol IV-5 ◽  
pp. 197-202 ◽  
Author(s):  
A. Singh ◽  
G. K. Meena ◽  
S. Kumar ◽  
K. Gaurav
Keyword(s):  
Dielectric Constant ◽  
Soil Moisture ◽  
Moisture Content ◽  
Penetration Depth ◽  
Soil Moisture Content ◽  
Incidence Angle ◽  
Empirical Models ◽  
Water Mixture ◽  
Soil Composition ◽  
Microwave Signals

<p><strong>Abstract.</strong> We study the functional relationship between the dielectric constant of soil-water mixture and penetration depth of microwave signals into the ground at different frequency (L&amp;amp;S) band and incidence angles. Penetration depth of microwave signals into the ground depends on the incidence angle and wavelength of radar pulses and also on the soil properties such as moisture content and textural composition. It has been observed that the longer wavelengths have higher penetration in the soil but the penetration capability decreases with increasing dielectric behaviour of the soil. Moisture content in the soil can significantly increase its dielectric constant. Various empirical models have been proposed that evaluate the dielectric behaviour of soil-water mixture as a function of moisture content and texture of the soil. In this analysis we have used two such empirical models, the Dobson model and the Hallikainen model, to calculate the penetration depth at L- and C-band in soil and compared their results. We found that both of these models give different penetration depth and show different sensitivity towards the soil composition. Hallikainen model is more sensitive to soil composition as compared to Dobson model. Finally, we explore the penetration depth at different incidence angle for the proposed L- and S-band sensor of upcoming NASA-ISRO Synthetic Aperture Radar (NISAR) mission by using Hallikainen empirical model. We found that the soil penetration depth of SAR signals into the ground decreases with the increase in soil moisture content, incident angle and frequency.</p>

scholarly journals Irrigation Levels Affect Plant Growth and Fruit Yield of Drip-Irrigated Bell Pepper

HortScience ◽  
2004 ◽  
Vol 39 (4) ◽  
pp. 748B-748 ◽  
Author(s):  
Juan C. Diaz-Perez* ◽  
Darbie Granberry ◽  
Kenneth Seebold ◽  
David Giddings ◽  
Denne Bertrand
Keyword(s):  
Soil Moisture ◽  
Plant Growth ◽  
Moisture Content ◽  
Soil Moisture Content ◽  
Time Domain Reflectometry ◽  
Fruit Yield ◽  
Bell Pepper ◽  
Plastic Mulch ◽  
Irrigation Rate ◽  
Stage Of Development

Bell pepper (Capsicum annum L.) plants have a high demand for water and nutrients and are sensitive to water stress during the establishment period and fruit setting. High levels of irrigation are often applied in order to maximize yields. However, field observations suggest that excessive irrigations may negatively affect bell pepper plants. The objective was to evaluate the effects of irrigation rate on plant growth and fruit yield. The trial was conducted in Spring 2003 at the Coastal Plain Experiment Station, Tifton, Ga. Drip-irrigated bell pepper (`Stiletto') plants were grown on black plastic mulch in 1-m wide beds (1.8-m centers). Plants were irrigated with an amount of water that ranged from 33% to 167% the rate of evapotranspiration (ET), adjusted by crop stage of development. Soil moisture content (% by volume) over the season was continuously monitored with time domain reflectometry sensors connected to a datalogger. The results showed that the average soil moisture content for the season increased with increasing rates of irrigation. Vegetative top fresh wt. and marketable fruit yield were reduced at both, low (33% ET) and high (166% ET) rates of water application. However, irrigation rate had a stronger effect on fruit yield than on top fresh wt. Plants supplied with high irrigation rates appeared to be more chlorotic compared to plants irrigated at medium rates (100% ET). There was a tendency for higher incidences of soil borne diseases (Pythium sp., Phytophtora capsici) in plants receiving higher rates of irrigation. The conclusion is high irrigation rates (>166% ET) are not recommended since they waste water and may result in both, higher incidences of soil-borne diseases and reduced bell pepper yields.

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