THE EFFECT OF SOIL TEXTURE AND DENSITY ON THE NEUTRON AND DENSITY PROBE CALIBRATION FOR SOME TROPICAL SOILS

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Abstract
The effect of soil texture and bulk density on calibration of neutron moisture and density probes was investigated for five tropical ferrallitic soils. Soil texture and bulk density were found to have a significant effect on the neutron probe calibration. Fine-textured soil with high content of extractable Fe had an intercept of 0.465 as compared to 0.044 for coarse-textured soil. For 20 percent volumetric moisture content the count ratio changed from 0.568 for dry density of 1.0 g cm−3 to 0.943 with twice the value of soil density. Similarly, texture and initial moisture content significantly influenced the density probe calibration. Therefore, widespread heterogeneity of tropical soils limits the usefulness of the neutron-scattering technique as routine method of monitoring soil moisture regimes. The effect of soil texture and bulk density on calibration of neutron moisture and density probes was investigated for five tropical ferrallitic soils. Soil texture and bulk density were found to have a significant effect on the neutron probe calibration. Fine-textured soil with high content of extractable Fe had an intercept of 0.465 as compared to 0.044 for coarse-textured soil. For 20 percent volumetric moisture content the count ratio changed from 0.568 for dry density of 1.0 g cm−3 to 0.943 with twice the value of soil density. Similarly, texture and initial moisture content significantly influenced the density probe calibration. Therefore, widespread heterogeneity of tropical soils limits the usefulness of the neutron-scattering technique as routine method of monitoring soil moisture regimes. © Williams & Wilkins 1974. All Rights Reserved.

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