Analysis of electrical conductivity as a tool for the study of a vineyard soil in Gualtallary, Mendoza, Argentina. Uses and limitations
Abstract
The soil apparent electrical conductivity (ECa) is a widely used tool in the study of the geospatial variations of chemical and physical properties of the soil. The goal of the present work is to determine if the use of ECa is suitable for mapping alluvial soils from the Andes foothills. In a 10 years old 130 ha vineyard of Gualtallary region, ECa was measured at field capacity and then soil profiles were studied by the description of 194 two meters deep pits. In each pit soil texture, stone content and calcium carbonate were determined, and then water holding capacity was calculated for each soil profile. The information of the pits was correlated then with ECa at 50 cm and 150 cm of depth. ECa at 50 cm and 150 cm explained 41% and 18% respectively of water holding capacity variability. Stone content present in the soils profile had a negative correlation (-37%) with ECa at 50 cm, and had low correlation with 150 cm ECa. Calcium carbonate content had no correlation with ECa at both depths. As a conclusion, in the conditions of this study (stony-sandy loam soils) ECa must be used for the spatial sampling distribution of soil samples, but for accurate soil mapping all sector differentiated by ECa should be sampled.
Issue: GiESCO 2017
Type: Extended abstract
Format: Poster
Authors
1 Manager AGROPRAXES
2 Technic Director AGROPRAXES
3 Vineyard Manager of Viña Doña Paula
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Keywords
electrical conductivity, vineyard, precision viticulture, water holding capacity, stone content