Geophysical characterization of the Château de Bousval vineyard : validating new Ground Penetrating Radar methods
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- The quality and character of wine are the signature of its geographic origin. While climatic factors are considered homogeneous for a given vineyard, soil properties can vary over short distances. This results in a non-uniform distribution of soil water and can influence the quality of the wine. An accurate characterization of the spatial variation of soil properties is therefore essential for optimal and individualized management of heterogeneous vineyard zones. This master thesis characterizes the spatial distribution of soil properties within a vineyard's plot with the aim to improve its natural resource management. As such, ground penetrating radar (GPR) and electromagnetic induction (EMI) are promising non-destructive methods to achieve accurate and fast mapping of soil properties at the field scale. The results of these tools; electrical conductivity and dielectric permittivity, are complemented by soil sampling to observe the ground reality. Thus, the processed electrical conductivity data obtained with EMI and GPR low frequency show similarities, allowing to conclude that these two methods are qualitatively equivalent. However, they are not always in agreement with the reality of the field or with the soil water content data obtained with the GPR high frequency. Indeed, the stratigraphy and soil profiles reveal textures that sometimes contradict the resulting soil characteristics. To further research, additional measurements under similar climatic conditions are recommended in order to determine precise management zones within the vineyard plot. Additionally, the influence of metal objects on electromagnetic measurement methods would be relevant to investigate.