Electronic rod profilometer for soil mobilization measurement

Aim of the study: This study aimed to develop and validate an electronically enhanced rod profilometer capable of operating independently under field conditions and to compare laser, LiDAR, and ultrasonic sensors to identify the technology least affected by environmental interference during soil surface roughness measurements. Area of study: Federal University of Parana, Curitiba, Brazil. Material and methods: A laboratory experiment was carried out using a completely randomized design, comparing a conventional rod profilometer with electronic profilometers equipped with laser, LiDAR, and ultrasonic sensors. Modified roughness, elevated area, mobilized area, blistering, and soil thickness were evaluated, with seven replicates per treatment. Data were tested for normality and homogeneity and subsequently subjected to analysis of variance. When significant differences were detected, means were compared using the Student–Newman–Keuls (SNK) test at a 5% significance level. Main results: The electronically enhanced rod profilometer demonstrated satisfactory accuracy, precision, and reliability when compared to the conventional method, confirming the validation of the equipment. Among the evaluated sensors, the ultrasonic sensor exhibited the most consistent and reliable performance for stem readings due to its wider beam angle, which increased detection probability and reduced susceptibility to environmental interferences such as solar incidence and soil reflectance. Research highlights: Sensor selection critically affects measurement reliability in electronically enhanced rod profilometry under field conditions.