Semi-stationary measurement as a tool to refine understanding of the soil temperature spatial variability

Abstract

AbstractUsing data obtained by soil temperature measurement at stations in the Metropolitan Station Network in Olomouc, extensive semi-stationary measurement was implemented to study the spatial variability of the soil temperature. With the development of the research and computer technology, the study of the temperature is not limited by the complexity of the processes determining the soil temperature, but by the lack of spatial data. This study presents simple semi-stationary soil temperature measurement methods, which can contribute to the study of the spatial variability of soil temperature. By semi-stationary measurement, it is possible to determine the average soil temperature with high accuracy and the minimum soil temperature with sufficient accuracy at a depth of 20 cm. It was proven that the spatial variability of the minimum soil temperature under grass at a depth of 20 cm can reach up to several degrees Celsius at the regional level, more than 1°C at the local level, and tenths of °C at the sublocal level. Consequently, the standard stationary measurement of the soil temperature can be regarded as representative only for a very limited area. Semi-stationary soil temperature measurement is, therefore, an important tool for further development of soil temperature research.