Search Results (1,042)

The Junggar Basin contains a large amount of coal resources and is an important coal production base in China. The coal seam in Zhundong coalfield has a large single-layer thickness and high content of inertinite, but large particle Fe-sulphide minerals are associated with coal seams in some mining areas. A series of economic and environmental problems caused by the combustion of large-grained Fe-sulphide minerals in coal have seriously affected the economic, clean and efficient utilization of coal. In this paper, the ultra-thick coal seam of the Xishanyao formation in the Yihua open-pit mine of the Zhundong coalfield is taken as the research object. Through the analysis of coal quality, X-ray fluorescence spectrometer test of major elements in coal, inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry test of trace elements, SEM-Raman identification of Fe-sulphide minerals in coal and LA-MC-ICP-MS test of sulfur isotope of marcasite, the coal quality characteristics, main and trace element characteristics, macro and micro occurrence characteristics of Fe-sulphide minerals and sulfur isotope characteristics of marcasite in the ultra-thick coal seam of the Xishanyao formation are tested. On this basis, the occurrence state and genesis of large particle Fe-sulphide minerals in the ultra-thick coal seam of the Xishanyao formation are clarified. The main results and understandings are as follows: (1) the occurrence state of Fe-sulphide minerals in extremely thick coal seams is clarified. The Fe-sulphide minerals in the extremely thick coal seam are mainly marcasite, and concentrated in the YH-2, YH-3, YH-8, YH-9, YH-14, YH-15 and YH-16 horizons. Macroscopically, Fe-sulphide minerals mainly occur in three forms: thin film Fe-sulphide minerals, nodular Fe-sulphide minerals, and disseminated Fe-sulphide minerals. Microscopically, they mainly occur in four forms: flake, block, spearhead, and crack filling. (2) The difference in sulfur isotope of marcasite was discussed, and the formation period of marcasite was preliminarily divided. The overall variation range of the δ³⁴S value of marcasite is wide, and the extreme values are quite different. The polyflake marcasite was formed in the early stage of diagenesis and the δ³⁴S value was negative, while the fissure filling marcasite was formed in the late stage of diagenesis and the δ³⁴S value was positive. (3) The coal quality characteristics of the thick coal seam were analyzed. The organic components in the thick coal seam are mainly inertinite, and the inorganic components are mainly clay minerals and marcasite. (4) The difference between the element content in the thick coal seam of the Zhundong coalfield and the average element content of Chinese coal was compared. The major element oxides in the thick coal seam are mainly CaO and MgO, followed by SiO₂, Al₂O₃, Fe₂O₃ and Na₂O. Li, Ga, Ba, U and Th are enriched in trace elements. (5) The coal-accumulating environment characteristics of the extremely thick coal seam are revealed. The whole thick coal seam is formed in an acidic oxidation environment, and the horizon with Fe-sulphide minerals is in an acidic reduction environment. The acidic reduction environment is conducive to the formation of marcasite and is not conducive to the formation of pyrite. (6) There are many matrix vitrinite, inertinite content, clay content, and terrigenous debris in the extremely thick coal seam. The good supply of peat swamp, suitable reduction environment and pH value, as well as groundwater leaching and infiltration, together cause the occurrence of large-grained Fe-sulphide minerals in the extremely thick coal seam of the Xishanyao formation in the Zhundong coalfield. Full article

The main soil type in the Sanjiang Plain of Northeast China, dryland albic soil is of great significance for studying nutrient distribution characteristics. This study focuses on 852 Farm in the typical dryland albic soil area of the Sanjiang Plain, using a combination of paired t-test, geostatistics, correlation analysis, and principal component analysis to systematically reveal the spatial differentiation of soil nutrients in the black soil layer and white clay layer of dryland albic soil, and to clarify the impact mechanism of plow layer nutrient characteristics on crop productivity. The results show that the nutrient content order in both the black and white clay layers is consistent: total potassium (TK) > organic matter (OM) > total nitrogen (TN) > total phosphorus (TP) > alkali-hydrolyzable nitrogen (HN) > available potassium (AK) > available phosphorus (AP). Both layers exhibit a spatial pattern of overall consistency and local differentiation, with spatial heterogeneity dominated by altitude gradients—nutrient content increases with decreasing altitude. Significant differences exist in nutrient content and distribution between the black and white clay layers, with the comprehensive fertility of the black layer being significantly higher than that of the white clay layer, particularly for TN, TP, TK, HN, and OM contents (effect size > 8). NDVI during the full maize growth period is significantly positively correlated with TP, TN, AK, AP, and HN, and the NDVI dynamics (first increasing. then decreasing) closely align with the peak periods of available nitrogen/phosphorus and crop growth cycles, indicating a strong coupling relationship between vegetation biomass accumulation and nutrient availability. These findings provide important references for guiding rational fertilization, agricultural production layout, and ecological environmental protection, contributing to the sustainable utilization of dryland albic soil resources and sustainable agricultural development. Full article

The aim of this study was to improve the efficiency of in situ uranium leaching by developing a specialized methodology for selecting rational parameters for the chemical treatment of production wells. This approach was designed to enhance the filtration properties of ores and extend the uninterrupted operation period of wells, considering the clay content of the productive horizon, the geological characteristics of the ore-bearing layer, and the composition of precipitation-forming materials. The mineralogical characteristics of ore and precipitate samples formed during the in situ leaching of uranium under various mining and geological conditions at a uranium deposit in the Syrdarya depression were identified using an X-ray diffraction analysis. It was established that ores of the Santonian stage are relatively homogeneous and consist mainly of quartz. During well operation, the precipitates formed are predominantly gypsum, which has little impact on the filtration properties of the ore. Ores of the Maastrichtian stage are less homogeneous and mainly composed of quartz and smectite, with minor amounts of potassium feldspar and kaolinite. The leaching of these ores results in the formation of gypsum with quartz impurities, which gradually reduces the filtration properties of the ore. Ores of the Campanian stage are heterogeneous, consisting mainly of quartz with varying proportions of clay minerals and gypsum. The leaching of these ores generates a variety of precipitates that significantly reduce the filtration properties of the productive horizon. Effective compositions and concentrations of decolmatant (clog removal) solutions were selected under laboratory conditions using a specially developed methodology and a TESCAN MIRA scanning electron microscope. Based on a scanning electron microscope analysis of the samples, the effectiveness of a decolmatizing solution based on hydrochloric and hydrofluoric acids (taking into account the concentration of the acids in the solution) was established for the destruction of precipitate formation during the in situ leaching of uranium. Geological blocks were ranked by their clay content to select rational parameters of decolmatant solutions for the efficient enhancement of ore filtration properties and the prevention of precipitation formation. Pilot-scale testing of the selected decolmatant parameters under various mining and geological conditions allowed the optimal chemical treatment parameters to be determined based on the clay content and the composition of precipitates in the productive horizon. An analysis of pilot well trials using the new approach showed an increase in the uninterrupted operational period of wells by 30%–40% under average mineral acid concentrations and by 25%–45% under maximum concentrations with surfactant additives in complex geological settings. As a result, an effective methodology for ranking geological blocks based on their ore clay content and precipitate composition was developed to determine the rational parameters of decolmatant solutions, enabling a maximized filtration performance and an extended well service life. This makes it possible to reduce the operating costs of extraction, control the geotechnological parameters of uranium well mining, and improve the efficiency of the in situ leaching of uranium under complex mining and geological conditions. Additionally, the approach increases the environmental and operational safety during uranium ore leaching intensification. Full article

Magnetite (Fe₃O₄) provides a protective corrosion layer in the steam generators of nuclear power plants. The presence of monoethanolamine (MEA) in coolant water has a beneficial effect on corrosion processes. In that context, the adsorption of MEA and ethanol–ammonium cation on the {111} surface of magnetite was studied using the molecular dynamics (MD) method. A modified version of the mechanical force field (ClayFF) was used. The systems were simulated at different temperatures (423 K; 453 K; 503 K). Surface coverage data were obtained from adsorption simulations; the root-mean-square deviation (RMSD) of the target molecules were calculated, and their minimum distance to the magnetite surface was traced. The potential and adsorption energies of MEA were calculated as a function of temperature. It has been established that the interaction between MEA and magnetite is due to electrostatic phenomena and the adsorption rate increases with temperature. A comparison was made with existing experimental results and similar MD simulations. Full article

This study investigates the effect of pile diameter on the seismic performance of single piles using the kinematic interaction framework outlined in Method III of the Turkish Building Earthquake Code TBEC-2018. Pile diameters of 65 cm, 80 cm, and 100 cm were analyzed under four different soil profiles—soft clay, stiff clay, very loose sand-A, and very loose sand-B. The methodology integrated nonlinear spring modeling (P-y, T-z, Q-z) for soil behavior, one-dimensional site response analysis using DEEPSOIL, and structural analysis with SAP2000. The simulation results showed that increasing the pile diameter led to a significant rise in internal forces: the maximum bending moment increased up to 4.0 times, and the maximum shear force increased 4.5 times from the smallest to the largest pile diameter. Horizontal displacements remained nearly constant, whereas vertical displacements decreased by almost 50%, indicating improved pile–soil stiffness interaction. The depth of the maximum moment shifted according to the soil stiffness, and stress concentrations were observed at the interfaces of stratified layers. The findings underline the importance of considering pile geometry and soil layering in seismic design. This study provides quantitative insights into the trade-off between displacement control and force demand in seismic pile design, contributing to safer foundation strategies in earthquake-prone regions. Full article

Expansive soils, characterized by the presence of surface and subsurface cracks, over-consolidation, and swell-shrink properties, present significant challenges to slope stability in geotechnical engineering. Despite extensive research, preventing geohazards associated with expansive soils remains unresolved. This study investigates shallow sliding failures in slopes of highly expansive soils induced by rainfall, using model tests to explore deformation and mechanical behavior under cyclic wetting and drying conditions, focusing on the interaction between soil properties and environmental factors. Model tests were conducted in a wedge-shaped box filled with Nanyang expansive clay from Henan, China, which is classified as high-plasticity clay (CH) according to the Unified Soil Classification System (USCS). The soil was compacted in four layers to maintain a 1:2 slope ratio (i.e., 1 vertical to 2 horizontal), which reflects typical expansive soil slope configurations observed in the field. Monitoring devices, including moisture sensors, pressure transducers, and displacement sensors, recorded changes in soil moisture, stress, and deformation. A static treatment phase allowed natural crack development to simulate real-world conditions. Key findings revealed that shear failure propagated along pre-existing cracks and weak structural discontinuities, supporting the progressive failure theory in shallow sliding. Cracks significantly influenced water infiltration, creating localized stress concentrations and deformation. Atmospheric conditions and wet-dry cycles were crucial, as increased moisture content reduced soil suction and weakened the slope’s strength. These results enhance understanding of expansive soil slope failure mechanisms and provide a theoretical foundation for developing improved stabilization techniques. Full article

Groundwater contamination by nitrates (NO₃⁻) and nitrites (NO₂⁻) is an urgent problem in rural areas of Eastern Europe, with profound public health and sustainability implications. This paper presents an integrated assessment of groundwater vulnerability and water quality in rural wells in the Ceanu Mare commune, Cluj County, Romania—a representative area of the Northern Transylvania Basin, characterized by diverse geological structures, intensive agricultural activities, and incomplete public water infrastructure. This study combines detailed hydrochemical analyses, household-level studies, and geological context to identify and quantify key factors influencing nitrate and microbial contamination in rural wells, providing a comprehensive perspective on water quality challenges in the central part of Romania. This study adopts a multidisciplinary approach, integrating detailed geotechnical investigations conducted through four strategically located boreholes. These are complemented by extensive hydrogeological and lithological characterization, as well as rigorous chemical and microbiological analyses of nearby wells. The results reveal persistently elevated concentrations of NO₃⁻ and NO₂⁻, commonly associated with inadequate livestock waste management and the proximity of manure storage areas. Microbiological contamination was also frequent. In this study, the NO₃⁻ levels in well water ranged from 39.7 to 48 mg/L, reaching up to 96% of the EU/WHO threshold (50 mg/L), while the NO₂⁻ concentrations varied from 0.50 to 0.69 mg/L, exceeding the legal limit (0.5 mg/L) in 87% of the sampled wells. Ammonium (NH₄⁺) was detected (0.25–0.34 mg/L) in all the wells, below the maximum allowed limit (0.5 mg/L) but indicative of ongoing organic pollution. All the well water samples were non-compliant for microbiological parameters, with E. coli detected in 100% of cases (5–13 CFU/100 mL). The regional clay–marl substrate offers only limited natural protection against pollutant infiltration, primarily due to lithological heterogeneity and discontinuities observed within the clay–marl layers in the study area. This research delivers a replicable model for rural groundwater assessment and addresses a critical gap in regional and European water safety studies. It also provides actionable recommendations for sustainable groundwater management, infrastructure development, and community risk reduction in line with EU water directives. Full article

Tropical forests face increasing threats and are often replaced by secondary forests that regenerate after disturbances. In the Atlantic Forest, this creates fragments of different successional stages. The aim of this study is to understand how soil nutrients and light availability gradients influence the species composition and structure of trees and regenerating strata in remnants of lowland rainforest. We sampled 15 plots for the tree stratum (DBH ≥ 5 cm) and 45 units for the regenerating stratum (height ≥ 50 cm, DBH < 5 cm), obtaining phytosociological, entropy and equitability data for both strata. Canopy openness was assessed with hemispherical photos and soil samples were homogenized. To analyze the interactions between the vegetation of the tree layer and the environmental variables, we carried out three principal component analyses and two redundancy analyses and applied a linear model. The young fragments showed good recovery, significant species diversity, and positive successional changes, while the older ones had higher species richness and were in an advanced stage of succession. In addition, younger forests are associated with sandy, nutrient-poor soils and greater exposure to light, while mature forests have more fertile soils, display a greater diversity of dispersal strategies, are rich in soil clay, and have less light availability. Mature forests support biodiversity and regeneration better than secondary forests, highlighting the importance of preserving mature fragments and monitoring secondary ones to sustain tropical biodiversity. Full article

Marine coral sand–clay mixtures (MCCM) are promising green fill materials in civil engineering projects, where their strength characteristics play a vital role in ensuring structural safety and stability. To investigate these properties, a series of triaxial shear tests were performed under diverse conditions, including variations in asperity spacing, asperity height, the number of reinforcement layers, confining pressure, and axial strain. This experimental campaign yielded a robust strength dataset for MCCM. Utilizing this dataset, several predictive models were developed, including a standard Support Vector Machine (SVM), an SVM optimized via Genetic Algorithm (GA-SVM), an SVM enhanced by Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO-SVM), and a hybrid model incorporating Logical Development Algorithm preprocessing a SVM model (LDA-SVM). Among these models, the LDA-SVM model exhibited the best performance, achieving a test RMSE of 1.67245 and a correlation coefficient (R) of 0.996, demonstrating superior prediction accuracy and strong generalization ability. Sensitivity analyses revealed that asperity spacing, asperity height, and confining pressure are the most influential factors affecting MCCM strength. Moreover, an explicit empirical equation was derived from the LDA-SVM model, allowing practitioners to estimate strength without relying on complex machine learning tools. The results of this study offer practical guidance for the optimized design and safety evaluation of MCCM in civil engineering applications. Full article

During offshore operations of jack-up platforms, the spudcan may experience sudden punch-through failure when penetrating from an overlying stiff clay layer into the underlying soft clay, posing significant risks to platform safety. Conventional punch-through prediction methods, which rely on predetermined soil parameters, exhibit limited accuracy as they fail to account for uncertainties in seabed stratigraphy and soil properties. To address this limitation, based on a database of centrifuge model tests, a probabilistic prediction framework for the peak resistance and corresponding depth is developed by integrating empirical prediction formulas based on Bayes’ theorem. The proposed Bayesian methodology effectively refines prediction accuracy by quantifying uncertainties in soil parameters, spudcan geometry, and computational models. Specifically, it establishes prior probability distributions of peak resistance and depth through Monte Carlo simulations, then updates these distributions in real time using field monitoring data during spudcan penetration. The results demonstrate that both the recommended method specified in ISO 19905-1 and an existing deterministic model tend to yield conservative estimates. This approach can significantly improve the predicted accuracy of the peak resistance compared with deterministic methods. Additionally, it shows that the most probable failure zone converges toward the actual punch-through point as more monitoring data is incorporated. The enhanced prediction capability provides critical decision support for mitigating punch-through potential during offshore jack-up operations, thereby advancing the safety and reliability of marine engineering practices. Full article

Potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) is a chlorine-sensitive crop. When soil Cl⁻ concentrations exceed optimal thresholds, the yield and quality of potatoes are limited. Consequently, chloride-containing fertilizers are rarely used in actual agricultural production. Therefore, two years of field experiments under natural rainfall regimes with three chlorine application levels (37.5 kg ha⁻¹/20 mg kg⁻¹, 75 kg ha⁻¹/40 mg kg⁻¹, and 112.5 kg ha⁻¹/60 mg kg⁻¹) were conducted to investigate the leaching characteristics of Cl⁻ in field soils with two typical textures for Northeast China (loam and sandy loam soils). In this study, the reliability of Cl⁻ residual estimation models across different soil types was evaluated, providing critical references for safe chlorine-containing fertilizer application in rain-fed potato production systems in Northeast China. The results indicated that the leaching efficiency of Cl⁻ was significantly positively correlated with both the rainfall amount and the chlorine application rate (p < 0.01). The Cl⁻ migration rate in sandy loam soil was significantly greater than that in loam soil. However, the influence of soil texture on the Cl⁻ leaching efficiency was only observed at lower rainfall levels. When the rainfall level exceeded 270 mm, the Cl⁻ content in all the soil layers became independent of the rainfall amount, soil texture, and chlorine application rate. Under rain-fed conditions, KCl application at 80–250 kg ha⁻¹ did not induce Cl⁻ accumulation in the primary potato root zone (15–30 cm), suggesting a low risk of toxicity. In loam soil, the safe application range for KCl was determined to be 115–164 kg ha⁻¹, while in sandy loam soil, the safe KCl application range was 214–237 kg ha⁻¹. Furthermore, a predictive model for estimating Cl⁻ residuals in loam and sandy loam soils was validated on the basis of rainfall amount, soil clay content, and chlorine application rate. The model validation results demonstrated an exceptional goodness-of-fit between the predicted and measured values, with R² > 0.9 and NRMSE < 0.1, providing science-based recommendations for Cl-containing fertilizer application to chlorine-sensitive crops, supporting both agronomic performance and environmental sustainability in rain-fed systems. Full article

The use of widespread and inexpensive clay minerals as adsorptive agents, as well as materials obtained by their chemical modification, can contribute to the solution of the problem of environmental pollution with antibiotics. This review considers the structural features of various natural clay minerals and the effect of these features on their sorption capacity. Based on the analysis of available papers (over the last 15 years, also including some fundamental basics over the last 20–30 years), it has been established that the main property of an antibiotic molecule affecting the ability to be adsorbed by a clay mineral is the hydrophilicity of the organic substance molecule. The leading properties that determine the ability of clays to adsorb antibiotics are the charge and area of their surfaces. The ability of antibiotic molecules to protonate and a partial change in the edge charge of mineral layers is determined by the acidity of the sorption solution. In addition, empirical evidence is provided that the most important factors affecting adsorption are the ionic strength of the sorption solution, the concentration of the adsorbent and adsorbate, and the interaction temperature. The diversity of the composition, structure, and properties of clay minerals allows them to be effective sorbents for a wide range of antibiotics. Full article

The present study implements novel innovative geostatistical imaging using precision agriculture (PA) under sugarbeet field conditions. Two driplines layout designs (d.l.d.) and soil water content (SWC)–irrigation treatments (A: d.l.d. = 1.00 m driplines spacing × 0.50 m emitters inline spacing; B: d.l.d. = 1.50 m driplines spacing × 0.50 m emitters inline spacing) were applied, with two subfactors of clay loam and clay soils (laboratory soil analysis) for modeling (evaluation of seven models) TDR multi-sensor network measurements. Different sensor calibration methods [method 1(M1) = according to factory; method 2 (M2) = according to Hook and Livingston] were applied for the geospatial two-dimensional (2D) imaging of accurate GIS maps of rootzone soil moisture profiles, soil apparent dielectric Ka profiles, and granular and hydraulic parameters profiles, in multiple soil layers (0–75 cm depth). The modeling results revealed that the best-fitted geostatistical model for soil apparent dielectric Ka was the Gaussian model, while spherical and exponential models were identified to be the most appropriate for kriging modelling, and spatial and temporal imaging was used for accurate profile SWC ${\theta v}_{TDR}$(m³·m⁻³) M1 and M2 maps using TDR sensors. The resulting PA profile map images depict the spatio-temporal soil water and apparent dielectric Ka variability at very high resolutions on a centimeter scale. The best geostatistical validation measures for the PA profile SWC ${\theta v}_{TDR}$ maps obtained were MPE = −0.00248 (m³·m⁻³), RMSE = 0.0395 (m³·m⁻³), MSPE = −0.0288, RMSSE = 2.5424, ASE = 0.0433, Nash–Sutcliffe model efficiency NSE = 0.6229, and MSDR = 0.9937. Based on the results, we recommend d.l.d. A and sensor calibration method 2 for the geospatial 2D imaging of PA GIS maps because these were found to be more accurate, with the lowest statistical and geostatistical errors, and the best validation measures for accurate profile SWC imaging were obtained for clay loam over clay soils. Visualizing sensors’ soil moisture results via geostatistical maps of rootzone profiles have practical implications that assist farmers and scientists in making informed, better and timely environmental irrigation engineering decisions, to save irrigation water, increase water use efficiency and crop production, optimize energy, reduce crop costs, and manage water resources sustainably. Full article

This work investigates the potential industrial applications of two sodium bentonite samples (white and yellow), obtained from raw Ca-rich bentonite from Maputo Province in Southern Mozambique. Bentonite bio-organoclays were successfully developed from two Mozambican montmorillonite clays through the intercalation of protonated dimer fatty acid-based polyamide chains using a solution casting method. X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis confirmed polymer intercalation, with the basal spacing (d₀₀₁) increasing from approximately 1.5 nm to 1.7 nm as the polymer concentration varied between 2.5 and 7.5 wt.%. However, the extent of intercalation was limited at this stage, suggesting that polymer concentration alone had a minimal effect, likely due to the formation of agglomerates. In a subsequent optimization phase, the influence of temperature (30–90 °C), stirring speed (1000–2000 rpm), and contact time (30–90 min) was evaluated while maintaining a constant polymer concentration. These parameters significantly enhanced intercalation, achieving d001 values up to 4 nm. Statistical Design of Experiments and Response Surface Methodology revealed that temperature and stirring speed exerted a stronger influence on d001 expansion than contact time. Optimal intercalation occurred at 90 °C, 1500 rpm, and 60 min. The predictive models demonstrated high accuracy, with R² values of 0.9861 for white bentonite (WB) and 0.9823 for yellow bentonite (YB). From statistical modeling, several key observations emerged. Higher stirring speeds promoted intercalation by enhancing mass transfer and dispersion; increased agitation disrupted stagnant layers surrounding the clay particles, facilitating deeper penetration of the polymer chains into the interlayer galleries and preventing particle settling. Furthermore, the ANOVA results showed that all individual and interaction effects of the factors investigated had a significant influence on the d₀₀₁ spacing for both WB and YB clays. Each factor exhibited a positive effect on the degree of intercalation. Full article

Accurate measurement and understanding of the spatiotemporal distribution of soil water content (SWC) are crucial in various environmental and agricultural sectors. The present study implements a novel precision agriculture (PA) approach under sugarbeet field conditions of two moisture-irrigation treatments with two subfactors, clay loam (CL) and clay (C) soils, for geostatistics modeling (seven models’ evaluation) of time domain reflectometry (TDR) multisensor network measurements. Two different sensor calibration methods (M1 and M2) were trialed, as well as the results of laboratory soil analysis for geospatial two-dimensional (2D) imaging for accurate GIS maps of root zone moisture profiles, granular, and hydraulic profiles in multiple soil layers (0–75 cm depth). Modeling results revealed that the best-fitted semi-variogram models for the granular attributes were circular, exponential, pentaspherical, and spherical, while for hydraulic attributes were found to be exponential, circular, and spherical models. The results showed that kriging modeling, spatial and temporal imaging for accurate profile SWC ${\theta v}_{TDR}$ (m³·m⁻³) maps, the exponential model was identified as the most appropriate with TDR sensors using calibration M1, and the exponential and spherical models were the most appropriate when using calibration M2. The resulting PA profile maps depict spatiotemporal soil water variability with very high resolutions at the centimeter scale. The best validation measures of PA profile SWC ${\theta v}_{TDR}$ maps obtained were Nash-Sutcliffe model efficiency NSE = 0.6657, MPE = 0.00013, RMSE = 0.0385, MSPE = −0.0022, RMSSE = 1.6907, ASE = 0.0418, and MSDR = 0.9695. The sensor results using calibration M2 were found to be more valuable in environmental irrigation decision-making for a more accurate and timely decision on actual crop irrigation, with the lowest statistical and geostatistical errors. The best validation measures for accurate profile SWC ${\theta v}_{TDR}$ (m³·m⁻³) maps obtained for clay loam over clay soils. Visualizing the SWC results and their temporal changes via root zone profile geostatistical maps assists farmers and scientists in making informed and timely environmental irrigation decisions, optimizing energy, saving water, increasing water-use efficiency and crop production, reducing costs, and managing water–soil resources sustainably. Full article