Measurement of Soil Density

The main parameter of the soil is its density, as it directly affects the development of the root system of agricultural crops. The article examines a method for testing soil density by equipping a cultivator with strain gauges to measure linear deformations in the working organs. By considering the elastic deformation, it is possible to determine the shear resistance of the soil. The obtained results were compared with the results of soil density measurement with a standard penetrometer. Based on the obtained results, a soil compaction map was created, showing similar areas of increased and decreased density. The method allows the retrofitting of any standard cultivator by measuring the load on each individual working organ and allows the creation of a continuous soil density map. To obtain accurate results, it is necessary to calibrate the installed sensors before each measurement.