Proximal Soil Sensing

Progress in Soil Science series aims to publish books that contain novel approaches in soil science and focus on true progress in a particular area of the soil science discipline. The scope of the series is to publish books that enhance the understanding of the functioning and diversity of soils in all parts of the globe.

This book reports on developments in Proximal Soil Sensing (PSS) and high resolution digital soil mapping. PSS has become a multidisciplinary area of study that aims to develop field-based techniques for collecting information on the soil from close by, or within, the soil. Amongst others, PSS involves the use of optical, geophysical, electrochemical, mathematical and statistical methods. This volume, suitable for undergraduate course material and postgraduate research, brings together ideas and examples from those developing and using proximal sensors and high resolution digital soil maps for applications such as precision agriculture, soil contamination, archaeology, peri-urban design and high land-value applications, where there is a particular need for high spatial resolution information. The book in particular covers soil sensor sampling, proximal soil sensor development and use, sensor calibrations, prediction methods for large data sets, applications of proximal soil sensing, and high-resolution digital soil mapping.

Key themes

Soil sensor sampling

Soil sensor calibrations

Spatial prediction methods

Reflectance spectroscopy

Electromagnetic induction and electrical resistivity

Radar and gamma radiometrics

Multi-sensor platforms

High resolution digital soil mapping

Applications

Raphael A. Viscarra Rossel is a scientist at the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organization (CSIRO) of Australia.

Alex McBratney is Pro-Dean and professor of Soil Science in the Faculty of Agriculture Food & Natural Resources at the University of Sydney in Australia.

Budiman Minasny is a Senior Research Fellow in the Faculty of Agriculture Food & Natural Resources at the University of Sydney in Australia.