Measurement and calculation of hydraulic conductivity in horizons of tilled and untilled loess-derived soil,Germany

A new rapid and simple method was employed to determine unsaturated hydraulic conductivity functions within A-, B- and C-horizons of tilled and untilled loess-derived soil. The results obtained by the laboratory method compared well with results obtained by a lysimeter technique. Tillage as well as structural and textural differences affected the conductivity functions, and the differences, in diffusivities proved to be significant. Conductivity at low tensions was drastically reduced within the 20–30 cm layer of tilled soil, which had a low porosity caused by the compressing action of the plough. Also in the non-compressed 10–20 cm layer of tilled soil, conductivity at low tensions was lower than that in the 10–20 and 20–30 cm layer of an adjoining field which was left untilled for the previous 6 years. In a few layers, where the laboratory procedure failed, conductivity functions were obtained by a calculation method based on the soil-moisture characteristic. The data gained by the laboratory procedure were then used for matching the calculated conductivity functions. The new method is recommended for soil physics and tillage research.     

Tillage effects on near-surface soil hydraulic properties

The processes for the formation of porosity are thought to differ between tilled and non-tilled cropping systems. The pores are created primarily by the tillage tool in the tilled systems and by biological processes in non-tilled systems. Because of the different methods of pore formation, the pore size distribution, pore continuity and hydraulic conductivity functions would be expected to differ among tillage systems. The objective of this study was to determine effects of three tillage systems — mold-board plow (MP), chisel plow (CP), and no-till (NT) — on hydraulic properties of soils from eight long-term tillage and rotation experiments. Tillage effects on saturated and unsaturated hydraulic conductivity, pore size distribution, and moisture retention characteristics were more apparent for soils with a continuous corn (CC) rotation than for either a corn-soybean (CS) rotation or a corn-oats-alfalfa (COA) rotation. Pore size distributions were similar among tillage systems for each soil except for three soils with a CC rotation. The MP system increased volume of pores >150 μm radius by 23% to 91% compared with the NT system on two of the soils, but the NT system increased the volume of the same radius pore by 50% on one other soil. The NT system had 30 to 180% greater saturated hydraulic conductivity than either the CP or MP systems. The NT system with a CC rotation showed a greater slope of the log unsaturated hydraulic conductivity; log volumetric water content relationship on two of the soils indicating greater water movement through a few relatively large pores for this system than for either the CP or MP systems.     

Hydraulic characteristics of conventionally and zero-tilled field plots

A silage corn crop was grown on field plots entering their 2nd-year cycle of zero tillage, and on control plots representing traditional tillage practices. Concurrent measurements of soil matric suction and water content were made under transient conditions of a draining profile without evaporation. The results indicated some similarity in the soil moisture characteristics of the untilled soils which produced high crop yields. The time rate of change of soil water content, the root extraction rate and the unsaturated hydraulic conductivity were always smaller in the zero-tilled plots than in the conventionally tilled plots.     

Isolation of endophytic Frankia from root nodules of Casuarina equisetifolia and infectivity of the isolate to host plants

Abstract

A method which uses the pressure head to predict unsaturated hydraulic conductivity is presented to calculate the soil water flux in a field. Hydraulic conductivities in the primary drying and wetting processes were measured with core samples in the laboratory and the hysteresis between the hydraulic conductivity and pressure head was taken into account. Hydraulic gradients were measured every hour with tensiometers installed in the field. This method was applied to analyze the water movement at 94-cm depth in Hydric Hapludands. Downward or upward flow of water by summing soil water fluxes was examined using the water balance method. Amounts of downward flow determined by our method after heavy rain in a wet soil were slightly larger in the soybean plot but smaller in the bare plot than those obtained by the water balance method due to non-uniform infiltration. Water balance equation which used values of upward flow across a 94-cm depth estimated reasonably well the evapotranspiration from the soybean plot and the evaporation from the bare plot during a dry period. Effect of initial soil water conditions on downward flux by rainfall was well monitored by our method.     

Properties of soil aggregates as influenced by tillage practices

Abstract. Changes in aggregate stability, density, and porosity as well as the water retention and nutrient contents of different aggregate size fractions due to intensive tillage were investigated. Three soils from Vicarello, Fagna and Gambassi in North Central Italy which had been under permanent vegetation, minimum or conventional tillage for more than seven years were studied. The aggregates on conventionally tilled plots were slightly denser and less porous than those on the untilled or minimum-tilled plots. The aggregates were less stable under conventional tillage on all soils. Conventional tillage reduced the proportion or macro-aggregates by 22% at Vicarello and 35% at Gambassi. There were no differences in macro-aggregate proportions between minimum- and conventionally tilled plots at Fagna. The potential of the dry aggregates to distintegrate upon contact with water was greatest in the conventionally tilled and least in the untilled treatments. The proportions of dry macro-aggregates (> 0.25 mm) in the untilled and tilled plots were 90 and 71%, respectively. The soil of the tilled plots contained less carbon and nitrogen than that of the untilled plots in all aggregate size fractions. The silt-plus-clay contents of the aggregates accounted for between 65 and 93% of variability in the water they retained at small potentials while organic carbon contents accounted for between 71 and 90% of variability in the stability of the aggregates irrespective of the tillage treatments.     

基于遗传算法的土壤水分运动参数识别

土壤水分运动参数的识别是研究土壤水分运动的基础。该文以反映土壤含水率实测值和计算值吻合程度的均方差最小为优化目标,以土壤导水率和扩散率经验参数上下限为约束条件,建立了土壤水分运动参数识别的优化计算模型。采用遗传算法和田间均质土壤一维非饱和运动数值计算相结合的方法,获得土壤导水率和扩散率经验参数最优值。经验证计算,土壤含水率实测值和计算值吻合程度较高,表明这一方法是可行的。     

Penetration resistance and root growth of oats in tilled and untilled loess soil

Penetration resistance, bulk density, soil water content and root growth of oats were intensively studied in a tilled and an untilled grey brown podzolic loess soil. Bulk density and penetration resistance were higher in the top layer of the untilled soil compared with the tilled soil. In the latter, however, a traffic pan existed in the 25–30 cm soil layer which had higher bulk density and penetration resistance than any layer of the untilled soil. Above the traffic pan, rooting density (cm root length per cm³ of soil) was higher but below the pan it was lower than at the same depth in the untilled soil. Root growth was linearly related to penetration resistance. The limiting penetration resistance for root growth was 3.6 MPa in the tilled Ap-horizon but 4.6-5.1 MPa in the untilled Ap-horizon and in the subsoil of both tillage treatments. This difference in the soil strength-root growth relationship is explained by the build up of a continuous pore system in untilled soil, created by earthworms and the roots from preceding crops. These biopores, which occupy < 1% of the soil volume, can be utilized by roots of subsequent crops as passages of comparatively low soil strength. The channeling of bulk soil may counteract the possible root restricting effect of an increased soil strength which is frequently observed in the zero tillage system.     

Modeling tillage effects on soil physical properties

Tillage refers to the manipulation of soil by an implement powered by humans, animals or machines. Tillage operation generally create two zones: (1) a zone where soil has been fractured and then turned over leading to rough surface conditions; and (2) a zone where soil has been compacted by the weight of the machinery. Thus, modeling tillage effects on soil physical properties involves two separate approaches depending upon the zone under consideration.

Modeling tillage systems offers an opportunity to: (1) synthesize the extensive experimental data in the literature; (2) develop tools for site specific management recommendations; and (3) identify areas of research where additional information is needed. Modeling tillage systems involves modeling the soil physical, chemical and biological properties and processes and then linking them with crop growth models to simulate crop yields or environmental impacts. This paper reviews models for predicting tillage effects on state soil physical properties. Specifically, we reviewed models which predict bulk density, surface microrelief, aerodynamic roughness length, water retention characteristics, hydraulic conductivity function, thermal conductivity, volumetric heat capacity and gas diffusion coefficient. Since most of the existing models for predicting soil physical properties are developed for untilled soils, the paper outlines procedures to adapt these models to fractured and compacted zones in tilled soils. The paper also identifies specific assumptions that need both laboratory and field testing.     

不同含盐土壤圆盘入渗特征试验

不同含盐土壤水分入渗特征是获得准确的土壤水力参数的基础。该文通过圆盘入渗试验,分析了4种土壤在5个（-1、-3、-6、-9和-12 cm）负水头下的入渗特征。结果表明,随着水头的减小,4种土壤的吸湿率线性减小,稳定入渗率和非饱和导水率呈不同程度减小。随土壤含盐量增加稳定入渗率和导水率呈增大规律。根据实测资料确定了不同负水头下非饱和导水率的Gardner指数模型参数,为盐渍化土壤水力参数的确定提供理论参考。     

Evaluation of different methods for the prediction of saturated hydraulic conductivity in tilled and untilled soils

The larger the bulk density of the soil, the smaller the saturated hydraulic conductivity (K_s), however, the relationship between K_s and dry bulk density for tilled and untilled conditions is different. K_s is lower in tilled soil than in untilled soil with the same texture at the same bulk density. The purpose of this study was to compare different models for the prediction of K_s for two soil textures under both tilled and non-tilled conditions. We compred two models based on the non-similar media concept (NSMC-0, NSMC-1), a model based on the similar media concept (SMC) and a model based on the Kozeny equation and Poiseuille law for prediction of K_s (KC-1 and KC-2). This study was conducted at two areas with loam and silty clay loam soils under tilled and untilled conditions. It is concluded that the SMC model is not able to predict K_s under either tilled or untilled conditions. Further, the NSMC-0 model, along with an equation to estimate the shape factor, was able to predict K_s versus dry bulk density for tilled soils. According to our study, under untilled conditions, the KC-1 and NSMC-1 models, and under tilled conditions, the NSMC-1 and NSMC-0 models, predicted K_s accurately. It is concluded that the NSMC models together with the optimized Kozeny–Carman models could reliably be used to predict K_s in different soil textures.     

Irrigation and tillage management effects on solute movement

In developing management practices to reduce chemical leaching below the root zone, tillage and irrigation management are important considerations. Two studies were performed to evaluate the movement of bromide in tilled and non-tilled soils under sprinkler versus flood irrigation. In each study, bromide was applied either with an irrigation or presprayed to the soil surface followed by periodic soil sampling to monitor the bromide movement. Tillage was observed to reduce the mean depth of chemical penetration under both irrigation treatments and reduce the spatial variation of bromide concentration under flood irrigation. For example, after 30 days of periodic flood irrigation, 25% of the applied bromide remained in the upper 0.2 m of a tilled soil while in the companion non-tilled soil virtually no bromide remained above this depth. The most rapid bromide movement was observed in non-tilled, flood irrigated soil, particularly when the solute was added with the irrigation. We speculate that the tillage effect of reduced leaching results from the alteration of pore continuity and creation of diffusional sinks and not increased evaporative water loss in the tilled soil. The Root Zone Water Quality Model was calibrated using site-specific hydraulic property measurements and used to predict the solute movement. The model predictions were fairly accurate for the sprinkler irrigated soil but less satisfactory for the flood irrigation studies. In comparing the effect on chemical leaching of the treatments imposed, we found that tillage and the timing of the chemical application had greater impact on reducing leaching than did the method of irrigation.     

Simplifying the evaporation method for quantifying soil hydraulic properties

Since about 25 years, we have measured the unsaturated hydraulic conductivity function and water retention curve with the evaporation method of more than 1500 mineral and organic soils samples. From this data base, 104 representative samples of varying texture and dry bulk density were selected and the temporal dynamics of the basic measured values (mass or water loss, respectively, and tension change over time) was analyzed. With the exception of sand, water loss per time interval was constant in all other mineral and organic soils during the measuring time in the tension range between 0 and about 60 kPa. In sands, the nonlinear water loss over time by evaporation can be described by a quadratic function with high accuracy (r² > 0.99). For all other soils, a linear function is sufficient (r² > 0.99). The use of evaporation functions enables extending weighing intervals. This reduces costs for the measuring equipment and increases the effectiveness of the method while maintaining the same quality of unsaturated hydraulic conductivity and water retention functions. It was confirmed that measuring with two tensiometers is sufficient for accurate hydraulic conductivity and water retention function. Reducing evaporation by screening the sample surface helps to decrease hydraulic gradients and keeps tension distributions approximately linear with depth. This is recommended in particular for clayey soils.     

A new equation for the soil water retention curve

The soil water retention curve is a fundamental characteristic of unsaturated zone flow and transport properties. Recent studies show that an air‐entry value is needed in a soil water retention equation in order to provide a better prediction of relative hydraulic conductivity. A new equation considering the air‐entry value is proposed to describe the soil water retention curve. The performance of the proposed equation is contrasted with a well‐supported equation by comparing measured and calculated data for 14 soils, representing various soil textures, which range from sandstone to clay. Results show that the proposed equation provides adequate characterization of the soil water retention curves. The equation for predicting relative hydraulic conductivity is derived from the proposed soil water retention equation. An empirical equation for relative hydraulic conductivity is also used. Our results show that the agreement between the predicted and measured relative hydraulic conductivities is improved by the combinations of the proposed equation and the relative hydraulic conductivity equations. The proposed equation is mathematically simple and it can easily be implemented in unsaturated flow and multiphase flow numerical models.     

利用放射性I131和S35研究松沙土土体和地下水盐分的运动

盐碱土表土盐分积累的来源,不仅与地下水埋深及其矿化度有关,而且与土体盐分再分配有关。本试验是利用放射性I¹³¹(NaI¹³¹)和S³⁵(Na₂S³⁵O₄)的示踪方法,探讨在含盐地下水正常补给情况下,土体和地下水盐分运行的一些规律,有助于全面了解表土积盐的过程。     

The effect of consecutive applications of leaching water applied in equal, increasing or decreasing quantities on soil hydraulic conductivity of a saline sodic soil in the laboratory

Abstract. This study investigated the effect of the same volume of leaching water applied consecutively in either equal amounts or increasing amounts or decreasing amounts on the hydraulic conductivity of a saline sodic soil in 30 cm plastic columns in the laboratory. Gypsum was mixed with the surface 2–3 cm of soil. After leaching, the hydraulic conductivity was measured in each 10 cm depth of soil. Hydraulic conductivity decreased strongly ( P <0.05) with depth and the most effective method of applying the water was in gradually increasing amounts.     

可耕种坡地的土壤水力参数非均质性变化

The spatial variations of the soil hydraulic properties were mainly considered in vertical direction. The objectives of this study were to measure water-retention curves, θ（ψ）, and unsaturated hydraulic conductivity functions, K（ψ）, of the soils sampled at different slope positions in three directions, namely, in vertical direction, along the slope and along the contour, and to determine the effects of sampling direction and slope position of two soil catenas. At the upper slope positions, the surface soils （0-10 cm） sampled in the vertical direction had a lower soil water content, 0, at a certain soil water potential （-1 500 kPa 〈 ψ 〈 -10 kPa） and had the greatest unsaturated hydraulic conductivity, K, at ψ 〉 -10 kPa. At the lower slope positions, K at ψ〉 -10 kPa was smaller in the vertical direction than in the direction along the slope. The deep soils （100 110 cm） had similar soil hydraulic properties in all the three directions. The anisotropic variations of the hydraulic properties of the surface soils were ascribed to the effects of natural wetting and drying cycles on the structural heterogeneity. These results suggested that the anisotropy of soil hydraulic properties might be significant in influencing soil water movement along the slope and need to be considered in modeling.     

The structure of two alluvial soils in Italy after 10 years of conventional and minimum tillage

Micro and macroporosity, pore shape and size distribution, aggregate stability, saturated hydraulic conductivity and crop yield were analysed in alluvial silty loam (Fluventic Eutrochrept) and clay soils (Vertic Eutrochrept) following long-term minimum and conventional tillage. The soil structure attributes were evaluated by characterizing porosity by means of image analysis of soil thin sections prepared from undisturbed soil samples.

The interaggregate microporosity, measured by mercury intrusion porosimetry, increased in the minimally tilled soils, with a particular increase in the storage pores (0.5–50 μm). The amount of elongated transmission pores (50–500 μm) also increased in the minimally tilled soils. The resulting soil structure was more open and more homogeneous, thus allowing better water movement, as confirmed by the greater hydraulic conductivity of the minimally tilled soils. The aggregate stability was less in the conventionally tilled soils and this resulted in a greater tendency to form surface crusts and compacted structure, compared with the minimally tilled soils. The latter tillage practice seemed to maintain, in the long-term, better soil structure conditions and, therefore, maintain favourable conditions for plant growth. In the silt loam, the crop yield did not differ significantly between the two tillage systems, while in the clay soil it decreased in the minimum tilled soil because of problems of seed bed preparation at the higher surface layer water content.     

Influence of water content and soil properties on unsaturated hydraulic conductivity of some red and black soils

The unsaturated hydraulic conductivity was determined in the laboratory for some red and black soils, following water movement into a horizontal column of homogenous soil of uniform packing. A highly significant positive relationship was found between moisture content and hydraulic conductivity values in all the soils studied. Correlation coefficients calculated for the relationships between soil constituents/properties and the change in hydraulic conductivity per unit change in moisture content (regression coefficient between hydraulic conductivity and moisture content) have shown positive relationship to sand and negative relationships to silt, silt + clay, clay, carbonates, aggregates > 0.25 mm and saturated hydraulic conductivity. It is concluded that the unsaturated hydraulic conductivity decreases rapidly with decrease in moisture content and this decrease depends on the soil constituents/properties and differences between soil types are clear.     

Amelioration strategies for saline soils: a review

Soil salinization is one of the major causes of declining agricultural productivity in many arid and semiarid regions of the world. Excessive salt concentrations in soils, in most cases, cannot be reduced with time by routine irrigation and crop management practices. Such situations demand soil amelioration. Various means used to ameliorate saline soils include: (a) movement of excess soluble salts from upper to lower soil depths via leaching, which may be accomplished by continuous ponding, intermittent ponding, or sprinkling; (b) surface flushing of salts from soils that contain salt crusts at the surface, a shallow watertable, or a highly impermeable profile; (c) biological reduction of salts by harvest of high‐salt accumulating aerial plant parts, in areas with negligible irrigation water or rainfall available for leaching; and (d) amelioration of saline soils under cropping and leaching. Among these methods, cropping in conjunction with leaching has been found as the most successful and sustainable way to ameliorate saline soils. Cropping during leaching or between leachings causes an increase in salt‐leaching efficiency because a decrease in soil water content occurs under unsaturated water flow conditions with a concurrent decrease in large pore bypass and drainage volume. Consequently, anaerobic conditions in soil may occur during leaching that can affect crop growth. Thus, in addition to the existing salt‐tolerant crop genotypes, research is needed to seek out or develop genotypes with increased tolerances to salinity and hypoxia. Since salt leaching is interacted by many factors, evaluation of the traditional concepts such as the leaching requirement (LR), the leaching fraction (LF) and the salt balance index (SBI) demands incorporation of a rapid, efficient and economical way of monitoring changes in soil salinity during amelioration. Besides this, numerous models that have been developed for simulating movement and reactions of salts in soils need evaluation under actual field conditions. Copyright © 2000 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.