Modernized plant for physical simulation of saline soil washing

Abstract

The purpose of the study is to improve the design of the installation through the use of soil moisture concentration sensors and digital LCR meter XJW01. The digitalization of hydrotechnical melioration of agricultural lands in the Russian Federation requires the active use of mathematical models for the movement of moisture flows, nutrients, air, and heat in the soil profile. The parameters of these flows in the laboratory are determined by the methods of physical modeling. Improving the design of installations for the physical modeling of soil processes increases the accuracy of measurements and reduces the labor intensity of work. The modernized facility for physical modeling of saline soil leaching includes electrical sensors for measuring the concentration of soil moisture. The sensors are equipped with conductive plates and conductive windings. Digital LCR meter XJW01 automatically detects the sensor as an electrical oscillatory circuit and fixes its quality factor. The quality factor of the sensor depends on the concentration of soil moisture that fills its body. The operating prototype of the installation was tested. In the concentration range of NaHCO₃ solution from 0 to 350 mmol/dm³, the quality factor of the sensors varies from 282±2.1 to 221±2.7 (significance level P = 0.99, number of degrees of freedom k = 4, and Student’s test t = 4.60).