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Geophysical Electromagnetic Survey Methods Applied to Agricultural Waste Sites
Author(s) -
Eigenberg R. A.,
Korthals R. L.,
Nienaber J. A.
Publication year - 1998
Publication title -
journal of environmental quality
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.888
H-Index - 171
eISSN - 1537-2537
pISSN - 0047-2425
DOI - 10.2134/jeq1998.00472425002700010030x
Subject(s) - environmental science , coring , hydrology (agriculture) , surface runoff , feedlot , nutrient , geology , drilling , geotechnical engineering , zoology , engineering , chemistry , ecology , mechanical engineering , organic chemistry , biology
Abstract This paper reports the use of electromagnetic (EM) instrumentation for surveying agronomic and waste treatment sites at locations previously profiled by soil coring for evaluation of nutrients in the soil profile. Surveys were made using a geophysical EM instrument capable of measuring conductivity 3 to 6 m below the surface of the ground with horizontal or vertical polarization. Two specific sites were analyzed to evaluate the effects of management practices: (i) An animal waste composting site with one section in use since 1985 and with expanded operation to another section in 1989 and (ii) A waste storage pond (operational in 1973) holding precipitation runoff from a cattle feedlot. Correlation analysis between the EM conductivity measurements and chemical analysis at both sites (concentrations of NH + 4 , NO − 3 , CL − , and P) show significant ( P < 0.05) correlations for the ions while P did not show a significant correlation. The EM measures were able to distinguish the 6‐yr‐old site from the 10‐yr‐old site ( P < 0.05). The results indicate that EM methods provide useful information for shallow subsurface surveys of livestock waste management facilities.