ORIGINAL RESEARCH
Applying an Artificial Neural Network (ANN)
to Assess Soil Salinity and Temperature Variability
in Agricultural Areas of a Mountain Catchment
Wiktor Halecki1,2, Dariusz Młyński3, Marek Ryczek1, Edyta Kruk1, Artur Radecki-Pawlik4
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1Department of Land Reclamation and Environmental Development, University of Agriculture,
Al. Mickiewicza 24/28, 30-059 Kraków, Poland
2Department of Biometry and Forest Productivity, Faculty of Forestry, University of Agriculture in Krakow,
Al. 29 Listopada 46, 31-425 Kraków, Poland
3Department of Sanitary Engineering and Water Management, University of Agriculture,
Mickiewicza 24/28, 30-059 Kraków, Poland
4Institute of Structural Mechanics, Faculty of Civil Engineering, Cracow University of Technology,
Warszawska Street 24, 31-155 Kraków, Poland
Submission date: 2017-01-21
Final revision date: 2017-05-04
Acceptance date: 2017-05-04
Online publication date: 2017-10-13
Publication date: 2017-11-07
Pol. J. Environ. Stud. 2017;26(6):2545-2554
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ABSTRACT
Spatial analysis is currently a popular research tool, particularly in studies that focus on soil properties,
and it is important for a comprehensive presentation of results by means of spatial statistics techniques.
Spatial autocorrelation determines a degree of relationship between variables for two specific spatial units
(locations). This relationship is reflected by spatial dependence of investigated soil properties. Moran’s I
was used as a measure of spatial autocorrelation. Positive spatial autocorrelation was determined for soil
salinity (electrical conductivity) and temperature. Thus, the aim of the study was to identify the factors affecting
spatial correlation of electrical conductivity (EC) and temperature in farmland and forest-covered
areas. A model of artificial neural network was based on salinity, as salinity reduces the amount of nutrients
and soil temperature, thus inhibiting plant root growth. Our study revealed that the most effective parameters
determining soil temperature were EC and moisture content. The best results in the EC model were achieved
for soil moisture content, temperature, and soil texture. Both soil parameters were impacted by catchment
land use. Spatial analysis of soil properties and identification of factors affecting their diversity may be
helpful in determining proper land use – particularly of sustainable agricultural practices in mountain areas.