On the combined use of static and mobile cosmic-ray neutron sensors for monitoring spatio-temporal variability of soil water content in cropped fields

The primary aim of precision agriculture is to optimize crop yield while minimizing the usage of production inputs (in particular water and energy). This entails understanding and effectively managing the spatial variability of soil moisture within agricultural fields. This study present the performance of a combinated system of static and mobile Cosmic Rays Neutron Sensing (CRNS) probes installed in site and mounted onto a tractor for monitoring the temporal variability and mapping the spatial distribution of soil moisture in a cropped field. The use of CRNS entails different benefits, firstly, it allows for the collection of valuable information regarding soil water content in depth, reaching tens of centimeters. Moreover, the large footprint coverage, spanning approximately 5 hectares, provides a comprehensive understanding of soil moisture distribution over a significant area. The installation of CRNS probes on tractor allows for an efficient coverage of a large area and capturing dynamic changes in soil moisture over time. In order to achieve a comprehensive understanding of the soil moisture distribution, a total of four field mappings were conducted at key agronomic intervention points during the growing season of a plot cropped with tobacco.