Fuente: Wipo "precision farming" A profile sensor and method for mapping the variability in soil compaction and soil characteristics with respect to depth. One embodiment of the apparatus includes a tine with a plurality of cutting elements supported by a plurality of independent load cells configured to measure the force exerted on the cutting elements as the tine is pulled through the soil of a field. Soil cutting forces through the soil profile are preferably measured to a depth of 63 cm in increments of 7.5 cm. The profile sensor showed that the cutting force is influenced by soil moisture content, depth of operation of the tine and vertical location of the cutting element.