Detection of soil compaction using seismic surface waves

Seismic geophysical methods have rarely been used in precision agriculture, predominantly due to the perception that they are slow and results require a complex evaluation. This paper explores the possibility of using a recently developed surface wave seismic geophysical approach, the multichannel analysis of surface waves (MASW) method, for assessment of agricultural compaction. This approach has the advantage of being non-intrusive, rapid and is able to produce 2D ground models with a relatively high density of spatial sampling points. The method, which was tested on a research site in Oakpark, Ireland, detected a significant difference in shear wave velocity between a heavily compacted headland and an uncompacted location. The results from this approach compared favourably with those obtained from measurements of bulk density and penetrometer resistance and demonstrate that the MASW approach can distinguish between the extreme states of heavily compacted and uncompacted soil.

► A novel technique for assessment of soil compaction is introduced to the agricultural literature.
► The advantages and limitations of the MASW technique are discussed with regard to detection of soil compaction.
► The MASW approach can distinguish between heavily compacted and uncompacted soil.