Abstract

PAGGI, Mariano et al. Identification of soil series with apparent electrical conductivity sensors in the southeastern pampas. Cienc. suelo [online]. 2013, vol.31, n.2, pp.175-188. ISSN 1850-2067.

During the last century, soil maps were developed in the province of Buenos Aires on a scale of 1:50000. Generally, fields in t Southeastern pampas contain more than one mapping unit composed of different soil series with several agricultural aptitudes. In the 1:50000 scale maps, the precise location of these soil series are not always successfully identified. The effective depth of the soil profile is an indicator of soil series. The objectives of this study were to: (l) examine the spatial structure of apparent electrical conductivity (EC_a), (ll) evaluate the spatial relationship of soil EC_a between different sensors (Geoids EM38-mk2 y veris 3100); and (lll) to evaluate the spatial relationship of EC_a and soil depth, as an indicator of soil series. Sampling was carried out in a field of 16 ha, located in the EEA Balcarce. The measurement of EC_a was performed using a non-contact sensor (Geonics EM38-MK2) in a vertical dipole orientation (0-150 cm depth) and a contact sensor (Veris 3100) (0-30 and 0-90 cm depth). Soil depth was measured at an average distance between sampling points of 25 m with a Giddings hydraulic sampler. The highest spatial correlations (r= -0.77) were achieved with data collected with the EM38-mk2 (0-150 cm depth) and Veris 3100 (0-90 cm depth)). Soil depth was mainly associated with surface EC_a (0-30 cm) measured by Veris 3100 (r= -0.58). Therefore, EC_a can be used as an indicator of the soil series in fields with depth variability.

Keywords : Digital mapping; soil depth; spatial variability; apparent electrical conductivity.

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