3D Mapping of Soil Salinity in Sub-surface Drainage Project Site Using Electromagnetic Induction (EMI) and Inversion Modelling
3D mapping of soil salinity using electromagnetic induction
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Authors
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Bhaskar Narjary
ICAR-Central Soil Salinity Research Institute, Karnal-132001, Haryana, India
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Raj Mukhopadhyay
ICAR – Central Soil Salinity Research Institute, Karnal–132001, Haryana, India
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Arijit Barman
ICAR – Central Soil Salinity Research Institute, Karnal–132001, Haryana, India
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DS Buldela
ICAR – Central Soil Salinity Research Institute, Karnal–132001, Haryana, India
Keywords:
Soil Salinity, EM38MK2, EMI, 3D soil salinity mappingAbstract
Soil salinity is a significant form of chemical land degradation, impeding crop productivity and sustainability in irrigated and arid regions. Traditional two-dimensional (2D) soil salinity maps are limited in scope, lacking critical vertical salinity distribution data necessary for effective reclamation planning. This study aimed to generate a three-dimensional (3D) soil salinity map using electromagnetic induction (EMI) techniques and inversion modeling at subsurface drainage (SSD) site in Kahni village, Rohtak, Haryana, India. Soil apparent electrical conductivity (ECa) was measured using the EM38MK2 sensor in both vertical and horizontal orientations at two depth responses (0.5 m and 1 m) across two experimental blocks: Block 1 (B1, non-continuous SSD operation) and Block 2 (B2, continuous SSD operation). 3D inversion algorithm (EM4Soil) was applied to estimate true soil conductivity (σ), which was then correlated with electrical conductivity of saturated paste extract (ECe). The developed regression model (ECe = 1.024 + 0.0460 σ, R² = 0.71) showed strong predictive ability (RMSE = 5.03 dS m-¹; Lin’s concordance = 0.84). The resulting 3D salinity maps revealed that continuous SSD operation significantly reduced salinity in B2 across all depths and minimized spatial variability, whereas B1 showed persistent high salinity due to inadequate drainage. Deeper layers in both blocks had higher salinity, indicating salt leaching from surface soils. This study demonstrates the effectiveness of EMI and inversion modeling for 3D salinity assessment, offering a rapid, non-destructive, and cost-effective tool for precision land and drainage management toward achieving Land Degradation Neutrality (LDN).
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References
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