MULTIFRACTAL ANALYSIS OF SOIL RESISTANCE TO PENETRATION IN DIFFERENT PEDOFORMS

Soils are highly variable across landscapes, which can be assessed and characterized according to scale, as well as fractal and multifractal concepts of scale. Thus, the objective of this study was to analyze the multifractality of the penetration resistance (PR) of vertical profiles from different slope forms (concave and convex). The experimental plot incorporated 44.75 ha, and the PR was measured at 70 sampling points in the 0-0.6 m layer, distributed in concave (Type A: 38 sampling points) and convex pedoforms (Type B: 32 sampling points). Data analysis was performed using the PR value (every 0.01 m depth) for each of the sampling points (PRmean), and their respective maximum (PRmaximun) and minimum (PRminimum) values. Multifractal analysis was performed to assess the changes in the structure, heterogeneity, and uniformity of the vertical profiles according to the scale, characterizing the partition function, generalized dimension, and singularity spectrum. The multifractal parameters of the generalized dimension and singularity spectrum demonstrated greater homogeneity and uniformity in the vertical PR profiles of pedoform B (convex) compared to those of pedoform A (concave). The minimum PR values in pedoform A (PRminimum) showed the greatest scale heterogeneity, indicating that in terms of soil management, it is more relevant to monitor the minimum values than the maximum values. The fractal analysis allowed us to describe the heterogeneity of the data on scales not evaluated by conventional analysis methods, with high potential for use in precision agriculture and the delimitation of specific management zones.

Automated summary

This study analyzed the multifractality of the penetration resistance of soil vertical profiles from different slope forms, finding that convex pedoforms exhibited greater homogeneity and uniformity compared to concave pedoforms. Monitoring the minimum PR values was deemed more relevant for soil management, with fractal analysis showing potential for use in precision agriculture and specific management zone delineation.