Determination of Soil Electrical Conductivity and Moisture on Different Soil Layers Using Electromagnetic Techniques in Irrigated Arid Environments in South Africa

Precise adjustments of farm management activities, such as irrigation and soil treatment according to site-specific conditions, are crucial. With advances in smart agriculture sensors, it is possible reduce the cost water inputs but still realize optimal yields high-profit returns. However, achieving precise application requirements cannot be efficiently practiced with spatially disjointed information. This study assessed potential using an electromagnetic induction device (EM38-MK) cover this gap. An EM38-MK was used measure apparent electrical conductivity (ECa) a covariate determine salinity status content θ post at four depth layers (Hz: 0–0.25 m; Hz: 0–0.75 Vz: 0.50–1 m). The inverse distance weighting method generate spatial distribution thematic conductivity. statistical measures showed R2 = 0.87; r > 0.7 p ≤ 0.05 on correlation ECa SWC. Based South African class soils, area not saline < 200 mS/m. can estimate SWC variability proxy, allowing estimations depths space. These findings provide key information that aid scheduling management.