Agricultural soil characterisation by geophysical and traditional methods: case studies in Venetian plain

The Veneto region in northeastern Italy's diverse landscapes highlight the importance of soil investigation. This study aims to comprehend agricultural soil characteristics using geophysical and laboratory techniques. By uncovering soil intricacies, it addresses long-term agricultural sustainability, informed land use, and resource management. The study's focus on soil compaction, correlations between techniques, and error identification contributes to comprehensive insights. Resulting knowledge informs crop growth, water management, and environmental impacts. As the global population rises, this research provides essential groundwork for responsible land use and sustainable agriculture in the Veneto region, aligning economic and ecological imperatives. This study presents a detailed analysis of soil properties in three distinct locations within Italy's Veneto region: "Porto Felloni" (PF), "Gaiarine," and "Toniolo." The investigation aimed to unravel the variability and interrelationships of soil attributes across different layers, contributing to informed agricultural practices and land management. In PF, consistent Bulk Density (BD) was observed (1.12-1.34 g/cm³), alongside diverse Volumetric Water Content (VWC) (0.16-0.32 cm³/cm³). Substantial Clay content variability (13.71%-52.61%) and Electrical Conductivity (EC) variations (12.08-20.08 mS/cm) highlighted important considerations for water retention and nutrient availability. Similarly, Gaiarine exhibited consistent BD (1.34-1.55 g/cm³) and stable VWC (0.16-0.32 cm³/cm³), with noteworthy Silt content fluctuations (0%-35%) and EC variations (12.08-18.18 mS/cm). In Toniolo, consistent BD (1.25-1.51 g/cm³) and stable VWC (0.17-0.22 cm³/cm³) were accompanied by varying Sand (13.3%-16.4%) and Silt (18.15%-20.15%) content, and relatively constant Clay (16.6%-27.9%) content, influencing soil texture. Notably, mean Electrical Conductivity (mean_EC) ranged from 1.62 to 4.04 mS/cm, indicating ion concentration disparities. The ANOVA results for PF unveiled significant differences in EC (F = 5.89, p = 0.017) and Silt content (F = 7.85, p = 0.006) across layers. For Gaiarine, BD exhibited significant differences (F = 44.52, p < 0.001), with marginal variation in Clay content (F = 0.66, p = 0.417). The correlation analysis revealed associations between soil attributes, such as the EC-BD correlation in Gaiarine (r = -0.6767). Regression analyses showcased VWC's positive impact on EC in PF, while Gaiarine displayed a significant negative relationship between EC and BD. In Toniolo, VWC, Sand, and Clay content significantly influenced EC. Collectively, these findings offer insights into soil property variations, guiding site-specific land management and sustainable agricultural practices. Overall, these findings offer a comprehensive understanding of soil properties and their relationships in distinct locations. This knowledge contributes to effective land management decisions and sustainable agricultural practices, underscoring the importance of site-specific considerations.