Time‐lapse mapping of crop and tillage interactions with soil water using electromagnetic induction

Abstract Assessing spatiotemporal variations in soil water is critical to many decisions precision agriculture. In dryland crop production regions with marginal precipitation, growers use rotations and surface preparation practices build natural capital over preceding seasons for cash production. However, significant gaps exist quantifying linkages between topography, properties, site‐specific agronomic use, predict temporal changes storage. this study, we used time‐lapse electromagnetic induction measure apparent electrical conductivity (EC a ) infer variability of while comparing (winter wheat [ Triticum aestivum L.], spring peas Pisum sativum barley Hordeum vulgare L.]) as well tillage (no till chisel plow) on split‐plot design the Palouse region northern Idaho. Weekly measurements EC were converted content using multiple linear regression help principal component analysis. Separating factors stability allowed us derive crop‐specific calibrated relationships additional variables growing degree days, elevation, clay content, silt content. Results suggest that retained highest followed by winter wheat. Resultant maps show highly structured consistent patterns being driven primarily type are even uncalibrated imagery. Although tended be greater no‐tillage compared plow treatments, found no differences two. This may partially due limited number years no‐till practice at site.