Noninvasive Monitoring of Subsurface Soil Conditions to Evaluate the Efficacy of Mole Drain in Heavy Clay Soils

Soil degradation and low productivity are among the major agricultural problems facing farmers of newly reclaimed area in Nile Delta region, Egypt. High content clay silt characterizes soil texture all farms area, while still rely on traditional mole drainage (MD) system to reduce salinity farm soil. We present a comparison innovative geo-resistivity methods evaluate drains affected soils. Geoelectrical surveys were conducted three image subsurface conditions efficiency using MD systems these heavy environments. The included measuring natural spontaneous potential (SP), apparent resistivity gradient (RG), electrical tomography (ERT). Integrating results reduced ambiguous interpretation inverted ERT models allowed us determine structure. suitable for locating buried MDs delineating upper surface undisturbed beds. proximity layers topsoil reduces role played by draining first prevents growth deep-rooted plants second farm. Time-lapse measurements third revealed defect its network where slope beds opposes main direction MDs. That has completely obstructed caused waterlogging. presented show that integrated can be used improve assessment situ sub-surface clay-rich