Soil Structure & Compaction
Benchmark Value
Scoring Curve
The scoring engine could not generate a curve for this benchmark context. The primary form is Point, but the benchmark data may be missing required fields (e.g., optimal range bounds for an OptimalRange benchmark). This is typically a data quality issue in the benchmark pipeline.
Evidence & Context
Four years after the initial intervention, the penetrometer resistance in the top 0.1 m of the soil under the DRG treatment was measured at 0.33 MPa, which is equivalent to 330 kPa.
The most direct and widely used method for quantifying soil compaction in the field is with a cone penetrometer. This instrument measures the force required to push a standardized cone tip through the soil profile, providing a reading of soil strength or mechanical impedance.
This benchmark represents the best achievable soil compaction condition in the top 0.1 m of soil under active agricultural crop production in arid inland floodplains, reflecting improved soil physical fertility and crop yield after amelioration treatment.
This value represents the penetrometer resistance measured at 0.1m depth in a sandy clay loam under a best-practice amelioration treatment (Deep Ripping + Gypsum), which led to significant, lasting improvements in soil physical fertility, water storage, and crop yield.
Sources (1)
Soil Health Assessment Part IV: Soil Penetration Resistance and ..., accessed August 2, 2025
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