Soil pH is one of the main factors to consider before undertaking any agricultural operation. Methods for measuring soil pH vary, but all traditional methods require time, effort, and expertise. This study aimed to determine, predict, and map the spatial distribution of soil pH based on data taken from 50 sites using the Kriging geostatistical tool in ArcGIS as a first step. In the second step, the Support Vector Machines (SVM) machine learning algorithm was used to predict the soil pH based on the CIE-L*a*b values taken from the optical fiber sensor. The standard deviation of the soil pH values was 0.42, which indicates a more reliable measurement and the data distribution is normal. The Kriging method gave a prediction accuracy of 65% while the SVM algorithm gave an accuracy of 80%. The root mean square error (RMSE) was 0.36, 0.16 and the mean absolute error (MAE) was 0.37, 0.13, respectively, for the two methods. These two methods allow the prediction of soil pH and thus the assessment of soils, allowing for easier and more efficient management decisions and sustaining productivity.
Gypseous soil is considered as a problematic soil for embankment construction, however, implementation of emulsified asphalt as a stabilization agent could be a proper solution for enhancing its properties as a subgrade soil. In this work, the sustainability of asphalt stabilized soil has been assessed in terms of its resistance to cyclic (freezing-thawing) and (heating-cooling) processes. Specimens have been prepared at optimum fluid content (moisture and emulsion) and tested under direct shear stresses while subjected to 30 cycles of (freezing-thawing) and (heating-cooling). Both of dry and soaked testing conditions have been implemented. Data have been observed after each 10 cycles, and compared with that of reference mix. It was conclud
... Show MoreThis study has been undertaken to investigate the mineralogical properties and morphological features of sand fraction in some soils of Baghdad / Iraq.The morphological features of sand fractions were studied by Polarized optical microscope. Results have shown that the grains of these minerals from samples of sands have different colors, those from the surface horizons have dark brownish spots, due to staining by organic matter, and have a yellowish– to yellowish brown spots due to accumulation of Iron oxides.Results of light minerals indicated that quartz is dominant due to effect of parent material of these soils. Two types of opaque minerals (black and brown) are found, whereas t
This study has contributed to identify convenience of the land Usifiya of Mahmudiya district baghdad province for the cultivation of sensitive and salt resisting crops and growing pasture .The nine pedons (tracks) of the study have spread over three transects to cover the whole area the north, middle and south .
Depending on Visual Space tupe (TM) for 2007 which is super classified, samples are distributed on all classes of land cover
It is detected the presence of nine series soils namely
MM5- MW96- DM 115 for 1st transect
MF12- DM46 - DM96 for 2nd transect
DM56- DF56 - MW5 for 3rd transect
Soils are classified to the level of sub great group according to (soil Survey Staff) to :
*Typic Torri Fluvents , Typic Haplos
High tunnels, or unheated plastic greenhouses, are becoming increasingly popular among organic vegetable growers across the United States. However, the intensive production typical of these systems presents soil health challenges, including salinization due to high fertilizer or compost inputs coupled with lack of rainfall to leach salts. Legume cover crops may improve soil health in high tunnels by reducing the need for external inputs, while adding organic matter. We tested the soil health effects of a winter hairy vetch (Vicia villosa Roth) cover crop used to replace fertilizer N in an organic tomato cropping system in high tunnels. Studies were replicated across three sites differing in climate and soil type (Kansas, Kentucky, and Minne
... Show MoreIn the case where a shallow foundation does not satisfy with design requirements alone, the addition of a pile may be suitable to improve the performance of the foundation design. The lack of in-situ data and the complexity of the issues caused by lagging in the research area of pile foundations are notable. In this study, different types of piles were used under the same geometric conditions to determine the load-settlement relationships with various sandy soil relative densities. The ultimate pile capacity for each selected pile is obtained from a modified California Bearing Ratio (CBR) machine to be suitable for axial pile loading. Based on the results, the values of Qu for close-ended square pile were increased by 15
... Show MoreThis review focuses on conservation agriculture (CA) and its effects on increasing the soil’s resistance to erosion. CA involves minimum soil disturbance (minimum tillage/ no-till), diversified crop rotation, and maintenance of the soil cover to increase soil fertility and reduce erosion. CA reduces soil loss by up to 90% and water erosion by approximately 50 to 70% from runoff as it increases the health of the soil, yield of crops, and water-retention capacity of the soil by incorporating soil organic matter and promoting biodiversity. Crop rotation prevents the replenishment and depletion of soil nutrients by atmospheric fixation of nitrogen/biological nitrogen fixation. Controlled traffic farming (CTF) is a new strategy in which travel
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