SPECTROSCOPIC SENSING OF SOIL ORGANIC MATTER CONTENT

Abstract

ABSTRACT A prototype real-time soil organic matter sensor has been developed. The sensor consists of compact transmitter and receiver modules which utilize light reflectance to measure percentage organic matter. Laboratory tests were conducted to determine optimal light wavelengths for use with typical landscapes in the midwestem United States. Preliminary field tests have proven successful for soils ranging from below 1% to over 6% organic matter. The sensor promises to be useful for prescription applications of soil applied chemicals.