Nonintrusive reconnaissance of Cumberland Plateau soils with ground penetrating radar

Evaluation studies were conducted to determine which subsurface characteristics of the Cumberland Plateau could be identified by ground-penetrating radar (GPR). GPR technology offers great potential for non-intrusive mapping of the rhizosphere within this geological region. The Plateau's soil is typically shallow (≈ 1 m), and predominately sandy loam overlaying sandstone bedrock, which is ideal for GPR investigations.

Targeting near-surface events that influence agricultural production, three agricultural fields were extensively surveyed by conventional methods to identify the actual subsurface composition. NRCS soil mapping personnel provided detailed field descriptions at the sites. These data were later used for "ground-truth" referencing during GPR image interpretations.

Survey methodologies using GPR within the Cumberland Plateau region were developed and evaluated. Recommendations, specific for the desired subsurface targets, were made concerning survey procedures, equipment, and settings. Difficulties encountered using the various technologies are discussed along with suggested solutions. Promising agricultural and non-agricultural applications of this technology for this region are presented.