Spatial variability of soil penetration resistance in the lowland area cultivated with soybean

Abstract

ABSTRACT: This study determined the spatial variability of soil penetration resistance and yield of the soybean crop in lowland areas. The soil resistance to penetration at four different depths (0 to 0.10 m; 0.11 to 0.20 m; 0.21 to 0.30 m and 0.31 to 0.40 m), volumetric humidity of the soil at two depths (0 to 0.20 m and 0.21 to 0.40 m) and soybean yield were determined in an area of 1.13 hectares, using a sample mesh of 10 x 10 m. The corresponding data were subjected to descriptive statistical analysis. Pearson’s simple linear correlation analysis (p≤0.05) was conducted and the spatial dependence was assessed by analyzing the isotropic semivariograms using spherical, exponential, linear, and Gaussian models. The results showed that the soil penetration resistance increased with depth, with restrictive values to root growth between 0.05 and 0.35 m. There was no correlation between yield and soil penetration resistance, and the semivariograms did not show a defined ascending region regarding the soil penetration resistance data. For the conditions under which the experiment was conducted, the sample 10 x 10 m mesh was suitable for assessing the spatial variability of soil resistance to penetration in depths exceeding 0.10 m.