Assessment of soil salinity indexes using electrical conductivity sensors

The salinity tolerance of plants can be improved by efficient irrigation management and salt flushing, which require a continuous precise knowledge the in soil or substrate. Soil sensors that measure electrical conductivity play an essential role monitoring salinity. However, correct interpretation measurements using depends on developing appropriate indexes. This work studied potential several indexes based bulk EC (ECb) directly measured sensors, pore water (ECw) estimated Hilhorst model (ECwHI). methodology used experiments is simultaneous use scales allowed automatic real levels substrate, made with sensor. Regression studies were carried out to know how well proposed explain In general, all suitable for estimating relative changes substrate salinity, as long they met certain requirements. For example, ECwHI was seen reliable index when moisture high constant. there no such requirement corrected according current content, calculated average values between two successive events. ECb indicator content constant, although its accuracy increased at level. findings led us propose new slopes linear section quadratic adjustment, avoids need