Soil Texture Classification Imaging System

To meet the U.S. Army need for an innovative technology for automatic precise classification of soil texture types according to the USCS schema, in Phase I Physical Optics Corporation (POC) successfully developed a SOil Texture Classification Imaging System (SOTCIS) prototype. Specifically, POC demonstrated that soil texture at a particular observation point can be classified in situ in a few minutes (not hours as in conventional methods) by a minimally trained operator. In addition, repeated measurements can be taken easily under computer control, increasing SOTCIS accuracy and reliability. The SOTCIS architecture consists of two interconnected subsystems: the prediction level subsystem (PLS) and the measurement level subsystem (MLS). The PLS determines expected soil texture types and recommends methods of soil properties measurement relevant to the inferred soil landscape. The MLS measures three major soil properties: particle size distribution, plasticity, and organic matter content. Data collected by the MLS at the site along with GPS positioning information is saved in Army GIS-complaint format. In Phase II POC will integrate the PLS and MLS with GPS and geophysical devices, and perform field test SOTCIS to predict soil textures in accordance with the USCS system.