A Coarse Evaluation of Soil Temperature in the Transylvanian Plain, Romania.

The Transylvanian Plain (TP) is an agronomic area of importance in Romania for corn, sugar beet, potato, sunflower, and soybean. The agricultural production could be improved with increased knowledge of the soil temperature characteristics of the region. Soil temperature at multiple depths (0, 10, 30, 50 cm) for 10 sites has been recorded for one year as part of a four year study. Soil temperature regimes are being evaluated at the 10 sites based on a year of 50 cm temperature data. Initial findings show a mean annual temperature of 12.37°C with summer and winter temperatures of 20.48°C and 2.92°C, respectively at 50 cm. As such, the soil temperature regime would be mesic. Pedon descriptions have been made at each site location with subsequent taxonomic classification in both U.S. Soil Taxonomy and Romanian Soil Classification. Soils have mostly been Mollisols (Cernosoluri), and to a lesser extent, Alfisols (Luvisoluri), Inceptisols (Cambisoluri), and Entisols (Protisoluri). Future work will evaluate: (1) slope aspect and its influence on soil temperature, (2) soil cover influence on soil temperature, and (3) determination of a planting calendar for local farming operations.