Spatial patterns of soil crusting and their relationship to crop cover

The interactions between the spatial pattern of soil crust development and crop cover conditions are investigated through controlled laboratory experiments using rainfall simulation. The experimental responses are monitored by using terrestrial photogrammetry and results quantified and analysed in a geographical information system. The generated categorical data is used within a stepwise logistic modelling framework. Results obtained show for the experimental conditions that the expected results of a decrease in areal crust development with increase in crop cover do not hold true. These results are being explained in terms of differences in crop morphology of the two crops used: sweet corn and cabbages, and the specific properties of the soil used in the experiments.