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A Novel Cosmic-Ray Neutron Sensor for Soil Moisture Estimation over Large Areas

Author

Listed:
  • Luca Stevanato

    (Department of Physics and Astronomy, University of Padova, Via Marzolo 8, 35131 Padova, Italy)

  • Gabriele Baroni

    (Department of Agricultural and Food Sciences, University of Bologna, Viale Fanin 50, 40127 Bologna, Italy)

  • Yafit Cohen

    (Department of Sensing, Information and Mechanization Engineering, Agricultural Research Organization (ARO), Volcani Center, Rishon Lezion 7505101, Israel)

  • Cristiano Lino Fontana

    (Department of Physics and Astronomy, University of Padova, Via Marzolo 8, 35131 Padova, Italy)

  • Simone Gatto

    (Department of Land, Environment, Agriculture and Forestry, University of Padova, Viale dell’Università 16, 35020 Legnaro, Italy)

  • Marcello Lunardon

    (Department of Physics and Astronomy, University of Padova, Via Marzolo 8, 35131 Padova, Italy)

  • Francesco Marinello

    (Department of Land, Environment, Agriculture and Forestry, University of Padova, Viale dell’Università 16, 35020 Legnaro, Italy)

  • Sandra Moretto

    (Department of Physics and Astronomy, University of Padova, Via Marzolo 8, 35131 Padova, Italy)

  • Luca Morselli

    (Department of Physics and Astronomy, University of Padova, Via Marzolo 8, 35131 Padova, Italy)

Abstract

A correct soil moisture estimation is a fundamental prerequisite for many applications: agriculture, meteorological forecast, flood and drought prediction, and, in general, water accounting and management. Traditional methods typically provide point-like measurements, but suffer from soil heterogeneity, which can produce significant misinterpretation of the hydrological scenarios. In the last decade, cosmic-ray neutron sensing (CRNS) has emerged as a promising approach for the detection of soil moisture content. CRNS can average soil moisture over a large volume (up to tens of hectares) of terrain with only one probe, thus overcoming limitations arising from the heterogeneity of the soil. The present paper introduces the development of a new CRNS instrument designed for agricultural applications and based on an innovative neutron detector. The new instrument was applied and tested in two experimental fields located in Potsdam (DE, Germany) and Lagosanto (IT, Italy). The results highlight how the new detector could be a valid alternative and robust solution for the application of the CRNS technique for soil moisture measurements in agriculture.

Suggested Citation

  • Luca Stevanato & Gabriele Baroni & Yafit Cohen & Cristiano Lino Fontana & Simone Gatto & Marcello Lunardon & Francesco Marinello & Sandra Moretto & Luca Morselli, 2019. "A Novel Cosmic-Ray Neutron Sensor for Soil Moisture Estimation over Large Areas," Agriculture, MDPI, vol. 9(9), pages 1-14, September.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jagris:v:9:y:2019:i:9:p:202-:d:267150
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    Citations

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    Cited by:

    1. Tinghui Wu & Jian Yu & Jingxia Lu & Xiuguo Zou & Wentian Zhang, 2020. "Research on Inversion Model of Cultivated Soil Moisture Content Based on Hyperspectral Imaging Analysis," Agriculture, MDPI, vol. 10(7), pages 1-14, July.
    2. Muhammad Waseem Rasheed & Jialiang Tang & Abid Sarwar & Suraj Shah & Naeem Saddique & Muhammad Usman Khan & Muhammad Imran Khan & Shah Nawaz & Redmond R. Shamshiri & Marjan Aziz & Muhammad Sultan, 2022. "Soil Moisture Measuring Techniques and Factors Affecting the Moisture Dynamics: A Comprehensive Review," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 14(18), pages 1-23, September.
    3. Ahmed Kayad & Dimitrios S. Paraforos & Francesco Marinello & Spyros Fountas, 2020. "Latest Advances in Sensor Applications in Agriculture," Agriculture, MDPI, vol. 10(8), pages 1-8, August.
    4. Younsuk Dong & Steve Miller & Lyndon Kelley, 2020. "Performance Evaluation of Soil Moisture Sensors in Coarse- and Fine-Textured Michigan Agricultural Soils," Agriculture, MDPI, vol. 10(12), pages 1-11, December.

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