Cosmic-Ray Neutron Sensor Backpack for Assessing Spatial and Temporal Variations in Soil Water Content in an Agroforestry System in Northern Spain
Round 1
Reviewer 1 Report
Comments and Suggestions for AuthorsI appreciate the invitation to review the manuscript entitled “Cosmic-ray neutron sensor backpack for assessing spatial and temporal variation of soil water content in an agroforestry system in northern Spain”. This work is very important for the soil moisture study, especially because it seeks a technique that facilitates data collection and analysis in larger areas. However, I note a few points:
1. There are several acronyms throughout the text that are not defined or the definition appears long after the acronym has been mentioned. Even if these are acronyms frequently used in the study area, it is always good to make them explicit so that the reader does not get confused about their interpretation.
2. In line 91, the authors mention “state-of-the-art CRNS technique”, and it would be important to provide some reference.
3. In equation 1, not all the terms mentioned are defined, check.
4. In section 3.3, the Wr function is mentioned and some parameters are defined, but the formula itself is not presented. It is important to represent it so that the reader does not run the risk of interpreting some parameter/term incorrectly.
5. I believe it is important to explain Table 5 better. Some information contained therein is not well defined throughout the manuscript.
6. Figure 4 compares the observed data with the data estimated by the GLM. It would be important to present the equation resulting from the GLM and not just its graphical interpretation.
7. The title of Figure 5 seems a little confusing to me in relation to the figure presented.
8. In line 327, remove the dot (.) before (Figure 6).
9. In the second section 3.3 (check the section numbering) “Comparison of Soil Content Measurements” you mention, in line 335, three indexes in Figure 7, however, I found only NDMI. Check. In addition, I suggest that you explicitly indicate which indexes, right after the mention that there will be three.
10. Still in this section, when the authors analyze Figure 8, it seems to me that it needs to be detailed further, only the SWC(CRNS) x SWC(Field SM200) comparison is mentioned, and the other two, even if they do not have significant results, cannot be forgotten.
Author Response
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Author Response File: 
Author Response.pdf
Reviewer 2 Report
Comments and Suggestions for Authors1.Using cosmic-ray neutron sensors to measure soil water content is an advanced technology. This research on its adaptability in an agroforestry system in northern Spain has practical significance.
2.The abstract requires revisions, particularly to supplement crucial findings and data. For instance, what are the unique features of the mobile "backpack" CRNS device? What are the main data obtained from different measurement methods and the differences among them? What discoveries led to the need for further research into the upscale comparison between CRNS data and remote sensing-derived moisture indices?
- The author mentions the limitations of cosmic-ray neutron sensors method, but does not elaborate specifically: L78-81. There has been considerable research on the advantages and disadvantages of this method, as well as its regional adaptability. It is suggested to conduct a comparative summary and analysis, especially with reference to research findings from regions similar to Spain.
4.About 9 control points, five points were under woodland (points 1, 2, 3, 4 and 6), and four were on croplands (points 5, 7, 8,9). Why are sampling points classified and selected in this way? It wonders whether these points are chosen randomly or based on some specific characteristics or significance.
- About 7 surveys, the survey period encompassed spring and summer, excluding autumn and winter. Why were these specific survey times chosen? Or is it unnecessary to conduct surveys in autumn and winter?
- Table 3 showed the soil properties for the 9 control points. Which indicators have significant impacts on soil water content? What can the direct differences in these indicators across these nine points reflect?
7.The comparison and discussion of data results obtained from different methods need to be more thorough. The advantages and disadvantages of this cosmic-ray neutron sensors method should be objectively discussed in conjunction with the data presented in this paper, particularly focusing on the limitations of the method and suggesting potential solutions.
8.This paper focuses on the application of cosmic-ray neutron sensors method in a specific region of Spain, albeit covering only nine sites. Are there any particular innovations in the methodology, results, and practical applications discussed in the paper? Especially in terms of comparing data results between different measurement methods. From an academic paper perspective, I believe that innovation is still quite important, rather than simply the application in different regions.
Author Response
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Author Response File: Author Response.pdf
Reviewer 3 Report
Comments and Suggestions for AuthorsPlease find the comments in the pdf file.
Comments for author File: Comments.pdf
Author Response
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Author Response File: Author Response.pdf
Round 2
Reviewer 1 Report
Comments and Suggestions for AuthorsThe suggestions I made were met and/or justified when necessary.
Author Response
Thank you very much for your constructive evaluation which have helped us improve the quality of the manuscript.
Reviewer 2 Report
Comments and Suggestions for AuthorsI think that the corresponding revisions have been made to this paper. I am satisfied with the authors' responses to the issues that I am concerned about.
Author Response
Thank you very much for your constructive evaluation which have helped us improve the quality of the manuscript.
Reviewer 3 Report
Comments and Suggestions for AuthorsI do not have further comments
Author Response
Thank you very much for your constructive evaluation which have helped us improve the quality of the manuscript.
