Preprints
https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-2024-2693
https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-2024-2693
10 Oct 2024
 | 10 Oct 2024

Quantitative soil characterization using frequency domain electromagnetic induction method in heterogeneous fields

Gaston Matias Mendoza Veirana, Guillaume Blanchy, Ellen Van De Vijver, Jeroen Verhegge, Wim Cornelis, and Philippe De Smedt

Abstract. The frequency domain electromagnetic induction (FDEM) method is a widely used tool for geophysical soil exploration. Field surveys using FDEM provide apparent electrical conductivity (ECa), which is typically used for qualitative interpretations. Quantitative estimations of soil properties remain challenging, especially in heterogeneous fields. Quantitative approaches are either based on deterministic or stochastic modeling. While the deterministic approach faces limitations related to instrumental drift, data calibration, inversion, and pedophysical modeling, the stochastic approach requires developing a local model, which involves extensive field sampling.

This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of the FDEM modelling based on either a deterministic or stochastic approach, identify its limitations, and search for optimal field protocols. We provide practical guidelines for end-users to quantitatively predict soil water content, bulk density, clay content, cation exchange capacity, and water EC in heterogeneous fields.

Two field surveys were conducted in Belgium, where FDEM data was collected using Dualem-421S and Dualem-21HS sensors, along with data taken from electrical resistivity tomography (ERT) measurements and an impedance moisture probe, and soil sampling.

A comprehensive sensitivity analysis revealed that deterministic modeling procedures could not predict water content more accurately than a mean value approximation (negative R2). This analysis also highlighted the sensitivity of the minimization method used in FDEM data inversion and the applied pedophysical model. Stochastic modeling, which does not require FDEM data calibration or inversion, outperformed the deterministic approach. However, its prediction accuracy is limited, particularly if soil sample depth is not considered.

Publisher's note: Copernicus Publications remains neutral with regard to jurisdictional claims made in the text, published maps, institutional affiliations, or any other geographical representation in this preprint. The responsibility to include appropriate place names lies with the authors.
Share

Journal article(s) based on this preprint

07 Jul 2025
Quantitative soil characterization using the frequency domain electromagnetic induction method in heterogeneous fields
Gaston Mendoza, Guillaume Blanchy, Ellen Van De Vijver, Jeroen Verhegge, Wim Cornelis, and Philippe De Smedt
Hydrol. Earth Syst. Sci., 29, 2837–2850, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-29-2837-2025,https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-29-2837-2025, 2025
Short summary
Gaston Matias Mendoza Veirana, Guillaume Blanchy, Ellen Van De Vijver, Jeroen Verhegge, Wim Cornelis, and Philippe De Smedt

Interactive discussion

Status: closed

Comment types: AC – author | RC – referee | CC – community | EC – editor | CEC – chief editor | : Report abuse
  • RC1: 'Comment on egusphere-2024-2693', Jacopo Boaga, 24 Oct 2024
    • AC1: 'Reply on RC1', Gaston Matias Mendoza Veirana, 15 Nov 2024
  • RC2: 'Comment on egusphere-2024-2693', Anonymous Referee #2, 03 Dec 2024
    • AC2: 'Reply on RC2', Gaston Matias Mendoza Veirana, 06 Jan 2025
  • RC3: 'Comment on egusphere-2024-2693', Damien Jougnot, 03 Dec 2024
    • AC3: 'Reply on RC3', Gaston Matias Mendoza Veirana, 07 Jan 2025

Interactive discussion

Status: closed

Comment types: AC – author | RC – referee | CC – community | EC – editor | CEC – chief editor | : Report abuse
  • RC1: 'Comment on egusphere-2024-2693', Jacopo Boaga, 24 Oct 2024
    • AC1: 'Reply on RC1', Gaston Matias Mendoza Veirana, 15 Nov 2024
  • RC2: 'Comment on egusphere-2024-2693', Anonymous Referee #2, 03 Dec 2024
    • AC2: 'Reply on RC2', Gaston Matias Mendoza Veirana, 06 Jan 2025
  • RC3: 'Comment on egusphere-2024-2693', Damien Jougnot, 03 Dec 2024
    • AC3: 'Reply on RC3', Gaston Matias Mendoza Veirana, 07 Jan 2025

Peer review completion

AR: Author's response | RR: Referee report | ED: Editor decision | EF: Editorial file upload
ED: Publish subject to revisions (further review by editor and referees) (08 Jan 2025) by Nunzio Romano
AR by Gaston Matias Mendoza Veirana on behalf of the Authors (27 Jan 2025)  Author's response   Author's tracked changes   Manuscript 
ED: Referee Nomination & Report Request started (02 Feb 2025) by Nunzio Romano
RR by Anonymous Referee #1 (17 Feb 2025)
RR by Damien Jougnot (28 Feb 2025)
ED: Publish as is (02 Mar 2025) by Nunzio Romano
AR by Gaston Matias Mendoza Veirana on behalf of the Authors (18 Mar 2025)  Author's response   Manuscript 

Journal article(s) based on this preprint

07 Jul 2025
Quantitative soil characterization using the frequency domain electromagnetic induction method in heterogeneous fields
Gaston Mendoza, Guillaume Blanchy, Ellen Van De Vijver, Jeroen Verhegge, Wim Cornelis, and Philippe De Smedt
Hydrol. Earth Syst. Sci., 29, 2837–2850, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-29-2837-2025,https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-29-2837-2025, 2025
Short summary
Gaston Matias Mendoza Veirana, Guillaume Blanchy, Ellen Van De Vijver, Jeroen Verhegge, Wim Cornelis, and Philippe De Smedt

Data sets

Data set. Quantitative soil characterization using frequency domain electromagnetic induction method in heterogeneous fields Gaston Matias Mendoza Veirana et al. https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.13465721

Model code and software

FDEM_quantitative_soil Public Gaston Matias Mendoza Veirana et al. https://doi.org/10.5281/ZENODO.13385389

Interactive computing environment

FDEM_quantitative_soil Public Gaston Matias Mendoza Veirana et al. https://doi.org/10.5281/ZENODO.13385389

Gaston Matias Mendoza Veirana, Guillaume Blanchy, Ellen Van De Vijver, Jeroen Verhegge, Wim Cornelis, and Philippe De Smedt

Viewed

Total article views: 993 (including HTML, PDF, and XML)
HTML PDF XML Total BibTeX EndNote
334 140 519 993 17 22
  • HTML: 334
  • PDF: 140
  • XML: 519
  • Total: 993
  • BibTeX: 17
  • EndNote: 22
Views and downloads (calculated since 10 Oct 2024)
Cumulative views and downloads (calculated since 10 Oct 2024)

Viewed (geographical distribution)

Total article views: 986 (including HTML, PDF, and XML) Thereof 986 with geography defined and 0 with unknown origin.
Country # Views %
  • 1
1
 
 
 
 
Latest update: 07 Jul 2025
Download

The requested preprint has a corresponding peer-reviewed final revised paper. You are encouraged to refer to the final revised version.

Short summary
This study explores two methods for predicting soil properties using the FDEM technique in Belgium. We compared deterministic models, which often require extensive data adjustments, to stochastic models. Our findings suggest that stochastic models are generally more effective for soil analysis, although each method has its limitations. This research helps improve soil property prediction, crucial for agriculture and environmental management.
Share