METHODOLOGY OF EXPRESS CONTROLLING AND MONITORING OF HUMUS CONTENT IN SOIL
The paper reports on a special methodology developed to carry out express control and monitoring of humus content in soil based on the electrical properties of soil. An essential distinctive feature of the proposed methodology is that the electrical resistance of the soil surface area between groups of electrodes is measured. This methodology involves placing probing and measuring electrodes on a large area of soil (up to 10 square meters). The electrode probes are buried in the earth at a depth of up to 20 cm are located at a distance of up to 10 m. The probes of the measuring electrodes are buried in the earth on the line of location of the probing electrodes inside them. The measuring electrodes are placed symmetrically to the center between the probing electrodes at a distance from each other equaling 1/3 of the distance between the probing electrodes. Probing and measuring electrodes can be located in two ways. The first method implies locating the measuring electrodes along the circumference, while the probing one - in the center. In the second method, the location line of probing electrodes is parallel to the line of measuring electrodes. In accordance with the above-mentioned methodology, successful experimental studies have been carried out to determine the humus content in soil, and the error of measuring has not exceeded 5%. Further studies of the properties of the electrical activity of the humus horizon of soil (according to the above-mentioned procedure) will contribute to the solution of such problems as assessment of the ecological condition and quality of soils; the forecast of productivity of various crops; the identification of favorable (for certain crops) soil zones and regions; the development of perfect technologies for soil treatment and increasing the efficiency of the use of various fertilizers, etc.