Predicting the Temperature and Moisture of Soil in Cylindrical Containers used for Planting with 3D model

Abstract

This research aimed to predict the temperature and moisture of soil in cylindrical containers used for planting by using cylindrical mathematical 3D model based on the theory of heat and mass transfer, and then compare them with those resulted from the experiment in the container with 80 cm in diameter and 40 cm in height. The study revealed little difference in soil temperature and moisture as measured by 3D model and by the experiment. The temperature predicted by the 3D model was found to be in relation to that measured from the experiment in all depths (10, 20, 30, 40 cm). The statistical analysis revealed Coefficient of Determiner (R²) closer to 1, and a minimum of Mean Absolute Percentage Error (MAPE). Therefore, the created 3 D model was found to be reliable in predicting soil temperature and moisture in the cylindrical containers, which could be used as basic information for choosing the kinds of plants suitable for growing in such containers, and for predicting temperature, and moisture???two essential factors for plant growth.

Keywords: soil temperature, soil moisture, mathematical model, containers, plant growth