Stability of spatial patterns defined by electrical conductivity mapping of soils within sugarcane paddocks

Information that describes variations in the soil within paddocks can be used for the application of precision agriculture techniques through site-specific management to improve crop production. This paper outlines some of the possibilities for the enhanced recognition of soil-related patterns using maps of apparent soil electrical conductivity (ECa) responses recorded by a Veris 3100 machine at study sites in the Herbert, Burdekin, and Mackay sugarcane districts (in Australia). The paper demonstrates the stability of deep (0 - 90 cm) soil ECa patterns over a six month fallow period and a five year crop cycle. The map patterns, supplemented by strategic soil description and analysis, are shown to be capable of providing a stable GIS layer that may serve as a surrogate for the soil condition, and as a base for assessing soil-related changes within paddocks, especially in paddocks for which detailed soil maps are not available.