THE MOISTURE REGIMES OF SIX SOIL SERIES OF THE CENTRAL LOWLANDS OF SCOTLAND

In a study of the moisture regimes of some of the most commonly occurring soils of the Central Lowlands of Scotland, three field techniques are compared. Soil tensiometers were used to measure matric suction and results are presented for a brown forest soil, a gteyed brown forest soil and a surface water gley soil. Borehole water levels are given for the surface water gley soils (and gleyed brown forest soil) for the two years under study. A close relationship between matric suction and borehole levels was established but this was not maintained once a soil moisture deficit occurred. Piezometer data was recorded and is shown to give little useful information due to the low hydraulic conductivity of the subsoils.     

The evaporation method: Extending the measurement range of soil hydraulic properties using the air‐entry pressure of the ceramic cup

Knowledge of hydraulic functions is required for various hydrological and plant‐physiological studies. The evaporation method is frequently used for the simultaneous determination of hydraulic functions of unsaturated soil samples, i.e., the water‐retention curve and hydraulic‐conductivity function. All methodic variants of the evaporation method suffer from the limitation that the hydraulic functions can only be determined to a mean tension of ≈ 60 kPa. This is caused by the limited measurement range of the tensiometers of typically 80 kPa on the dry end. We present a new, cost‐ and time‐saving approach which overcomes this restriction. Using the air‐entry pressure of the tensiometer's porous ceramic cup as additional defined tension value allows the quantification of hydraulic functions up to close to the wilting point. The procedure is described, uncertainties are discussed, and measured as well as simulated test results are presented for soil samples of various origins, different textures (sand, loam, silt, clay, and peat) and variable dry bulk density. The experimental setup followed the system HYPROP which is a commercial device with vertically aligned tensiometers that is optimized to perform evaporation measurements. During the experiment leaked water from the tensiometer interior wets the surrounding soil of the tensiometer cup and can lead to a tension retardation as shown by simulation results. This effect is negligible when the tensiometers are embedded vertically. For coarsely textured soils and horizontal tensiometer alignment, however, the retardation must be considered for data evaluation.     

Combined tensiometer–solution sampling probe

Variables needed to characterize solute transport in soils are soil water pressure (SWP) and solute concentration, which are typically obtained from tensiometers and suction solution samplers, respectively. In this paper we describe a combined tension–solution sampling probe that measures SWP, and allows extraction of soil solution during or between SWP measurements. A separate porous ceramic cup and ring to be used for the tensiometer and suction solution sampler were built into a single unit. Laboratory soil column experiments were carried out to evaluate the performance of the combined tension–solution probe, and the data obtained were compared with those from using separate tensiometer and suction solution samplers. Differences in tensiometric measurements were attributed to differences in size between the tensiometers. An apparent increase in pore water solution concentration as soil water potential is decreased could be explained by anion exclusion.     

A relatively simple scaling method for describing the unsaturated hydraulic functions of stony soils

Few if any methods exist to estimate the effects of stone content (stoniness) on the unsaturated soil hydraulic properties. A relatively simple scaling method is presented to estimate the hydraulic conductivity of unsaturated stony soils having different stone contents. A key assumption of the method is that van Genuchten's water retention parameters α and n of the fine soil fraction are the same as those of the stony soil. The method further assumes a linearly decreasing relationship between the saturated hydraulic conductivity and the stone content, based on previous numerical simulations. Using the proposed method, it is possible to calculate the hydraulic conductivity of unsaturated stony soils, knowing the saturated hydraulic conductivity of the fine soil fraction, the retention curve of the fine soil fraction, and the particular stoniness of the soil.     

Genauigkeit von Bodenfeuchtemessungen mit „Time Domain-Reflektometrie” und., Frequency Domain-Sensoren”︁ in heterogenen Waldböden

Precision of soil moisture measurements done with “Time Domain Reflectometry” and “Frequency Domain Probes” in heterogeneous forest soils Using “Time Domain Reflectometry” (TDR) and “Frequency Domain” (FD) technique soil moisture of a homogenized soil- substrate of silty loam was measured in the lab as well as soil moisture of the same silty loam and of two soils with coarser texture and more heterogeneous structure in situ. These measurements were compared with gravimetric soil moisture measurements done at the same measuring sites. Thus the measuring errors caused by soil heterogeneities should be assessed. The standard error of both, the TDR- and the FD- probes amounted to less than 1 Vol%, at the in situ measurements as well as in the homogenized substrate. In the homogenized substrate under relatively dry conditions soil moisture was overestimated to about 2 Vol% by both electronical methods, which is most likely the result of compactions in the contact zone between rods and the soil caused by the insertion of the rods. In the field both electronical methods, however, underestimated the soil moisture up to 14 Vol%. This applied especially to the surface of the mineral soil and under the influence of high stone contents. This deviation is interpreted as an effect of gaps along the rods, caused by the insertion. In loosely packed and stony upper soils we propose therefore to install the rods in homogenized autochtoneous soil material having settled to its natural bulk density instead of inserting them into the natural layered soil.     

Particle arrangement and internal porosity of coarse fragments affect water retention in stony soils

Information about water retention in stony soils lags behind due to methodological difficulties. We applied a new strategy to measure the water retention in soils with coarse fragments (CFs) and to get insights into the effect of CFs porosity on water retention. Water retention at zero, 10, and 150 m suction, bulk density, and the mass fraction of six particle size classes were measured in undisturbed blocks from soils with variable CFs contents, originating from three parent materials. The results showed that some soils contain porous CFs (2–250 mm) with a water holding capacity as high as the fine fraction (<2 mm). The water held in the suction range of 1–150 m in a soil with porous CFs was twice as high as in soils with non-porous CFs. Multilinear regressions revealed that both the water retention capacity at 1 m suction and in the range 1–150 m were more dependent on bulk density than on the fraction of CFs and fine particles. In the soil with porous CFs, there was no correlation between their fraction and soil water retention. These results show that the bulk water retention capacity of soils with CFs is underestimated when not considering the internal porosity of the CFs. A better understanding of the effect of the porosity of CFs on bulk soil porosity and water retention is important to propose suitable pedotransfer functions and refine physically-based hydraulic functions for stony soils.     

中国几种主要土壤的持水性质

土壤的持水性是指土壤吸持水分的能力。在对植物的有效范围内,土壤所吸持的水分是由土壤孔隙的毛管引力和土壤颗粒的分子引力所引起的,这两种力现在统称为土壤吸力,或基质吸力,它相当于土壤总水势中的基质势。     

A new laboratory method to quickly determine the unsaturated hydraulic conductivity of undisturbed soil cores within a wide range of textures

A modified instantaneous profile method is described, which determines the hydraulic conductivity functions of soils with varying textures. Soil suction head as a function of time and depth, rate of outflow as a function of time and the final distribution of moisture content are monitored on undisturbed soil columns. Data is handled following a modification of the procedure of Weeks and Richards (1967). The apparatus consists of five measuring cells, a monitoring unit, five balances and equipment to section the soil columns for the gravimetric determination of soil moisture content. Each measuring cell contains a soil core of 250 cm³, into which five micro-tensiometers are inserted at 2 cm intervals. Exemplary hydraulic conductivity functions are shown for samples taken from an Arenosol, from silty and clayey-silty horizons of a Luvisol and from a clayey Vertisol. The functions showed good agreement with in situ data. Evaluations of variability show the method to be very reliable. On average, the functions of five samples can be determined in one week, making the method quick. At the same time, the method has great potential for the study of effects of soil structure on hydraulic conductivity.     

Tensiometrische Untersuchungen an Aggregaten in homogenisiertem Löß

Investigations to the soil suction behaviour of aggregates embedded in homogenized loess Aggregate from loess and clay soils were artificially embedded in homogenized loess. During sorption and desorption processes, soil suctions inside and outside the aggregates were measured with mini- and microtensiometers. The observed dynamics support the idea of mobile and immobile regions in structured media. Soil suction imbalances between aggregates and the surrounding loess were found to occur during rapid changes of the hydraulic conditions as well as during gradual desorption. This behaviour was also observed in aggregates without measurable differences of the hydraulic conductivities compared to the surrounding loess. Thus, it is concluded that the observations were caused not only by different hydraulic conductivities, but also by hydraulic barriers due to inhomogeneities at the aggregate surfaces.     

Zum Einsatz von TRIME-TDR zur Messung der Bodenfeuchte auf leichten Sandböden

Using TRIME-TDR for the determination of soil water dynamics on sandy soils In this study the suitability of the TRIME-TDR system for the determination of soil water content was analysed. For this purpose a period of three years with continuous data of soil water contents, measured by TRIME-TDR, and soil water suction measured by tensiometer were available. Additionally soil samples at different times were taken for gravimetric moisture analysis. The determinations of soil moisture with the TRIME-TDR is based on a new measuring technique. The soil water contents measured by TRIME-TDR were analysed by comparison with corresponding soil moisture values from gravimetric measurements of soil samples. The soil water contents determined by TRIME-TDR in comparison with gravimetric soil moisture values show an absolute mean error of 7.9 Vol%. In most cases the soil water contents measured by TRIME-TDR were distinctly higher than the corresponding soil moisture values from gravimetric measurements. After correcting the TRIME-TDR the absolute mean error was reduced to 2.5 Vol%. Due to the results of this study soil water contents measured by TRIME-TDR-technique cannot be used in hydrological or ecological studies without a check based on the comparison with gravimetric soil moisture values.     

Rock fragments IL Their impact on soil physical properties and biomass production under Mediterranean conditions

Abstract. The effects of rock fragments on soil temperature, soil moisture conservation, night time water vapour absorption and wheat biomass production were investigated. Under conditions of moderate water stress, water conservation was generally greater in the stony soils. Under conditions of pronounced drought the opposite occurred, with stony soils conserving less water than soils free of stones, though soils with large cobbles on the surface conserved the most water.
Stony soils were generally warmer during daytime and cooler at night than soils free of rock fragments. In the warmest month (July) the diurnal amplitude reached 14.3 °C in the control soil and 24.1 °C in the stony soils. Night time absorption of water vapour in the upper 15–20 cm was less for the stony soil (17.8% cobble cover), than for the stone-free soil. Cobbles on the soil surface increased biomass production by increasing moisture conservation. After removing all the stones from the surface of 16 plots, total dry matter yield of rainfed wheat was on average 20% less than from plots with stones on the surface.     

室内基于土壤水分再分布过程推求紫色土导水参数

选择三峡库区3种不同质地的紫色土,室内通过土壤水分再分布试验,探讨基于土壤水分再分布过程推求导水参数对于紫色土的适用性.结果显示,结合土壤水分垂直和水平再分布过程推求的紫色土水分扩散率与实测值具有很好的一致性,但推求的非饱和导水率偏差较大.然而,选用单一的土壤水分再分布过程结合实测水分特征曲线推求的紫色土非饱和导水率与实测值具有良好的一致性.湿润锋湿度与湿润剖面平均湿度不同函数关系对推求非饱和导水率和水分扩散率差异不明显.此外,基于土壤水分再分布过程推求导水参数方法比较适合低湿土壤的非饱和导水参数推求.     

土壤中砾石含量的测定方法研究进展

石质土壤中含有大量砾石,大量砾石的存在会影响土壤理化特性和水力特性。土壤中砾石含量的研究会影响土石介质的生产力评估、水文及风化过程的研究水平。本文主要介绍了国内外土壤中砾石含量的现有测定方法,对环刀取样法、挖坑法、Viro插钎法,γ射线法、探地雷达及电阻率断层扫描技术的实际应用进行了讨论。在实际研究中应根据实际情况选择合适的砾石含量测定方法。土壤中砾石含量的测定应该引起国内相关研究的重视,为土壤研究提供重要信息并为土壤学研究水平的提高提供帮助。     

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.     

Einfluß physikalischer Eigenschaften und anthropogener Tätigkeit auf die Hysterese der Wasserspannungskurve organogener Böden

Influence of the soil properties and human activity on the hysteresis of the moisture retention function in organic soils The hysteresis of the moisture retention function is characterized by the greatest difference of water content during drying and wetting (Θ_AΘ_B) at the same suction. It diminishes by an increased degree of peat decomposition, ash content, bulk density and pH and increases with the volume of macropores (Ø > 50 μm). In the soil suction range Ψ = –1 to –6 kPa the hysteresis can be calculated by multiple regression equations (Tab. 3). Under arable land compared with grassland the hysteresis increases depending on the soil looseness and diminution of soil aggregates. A sand cover on peatland leads in the upper (20–30 cm) layer to a diminution of hysteresis proportional to the sand thickness.     

The desorption solution — an alternative approach to measure water soluble ions in soils

Although the composition of the soil solution has important ecological information, there is no general consensus for obtaining and analyzing of the soil solution. This study presents an alternative procedure to obtain the soil solution and determine all relevant anions and cations. The soil samples are taken with an auger. 10—20 g of field moist soil are desorbed in a pressure chamber at 170 kPa (pF 3.2), with a cellulose acetate membrane filter (∅︁ < 0.45 μm) as capillar bridge between the interior and exterior of the chamber. The desorption procedure is performed at 4°C for 24 hours and yields up to 1.0 ml soil solution, depending on the actual water potential. If more soil solution is needed, the soil may be replaced by another aliquot of the same sample. 0.15 ml of soil solution is sufficient for analysing all cations and anions, which account quantitatively for the ion balance with a capillary electrophoresis. Compared with suction cups, ion concentrations in desorption solutions are, although generally lower, in the same order of magnitude. The advantage of this method is that no field equipment is needed, apart from the auger. Even in heterogeneous forest soils, water soluble ions can be monitored with a high spatial resolution and without any dilution effects, which are common in the most laboratory methods. The problem of lacking spatial representativity in stationary lysimeter stations is also overcome. Additionally it is possible to obtain and analyze soil solutions in a suction range where suction cups fail.     

SOIL DEFORMATION AND SHEAR STRENGTH CHARACTERISTICS OF SOME CLAY SOILS AT DIFFERENT MOISTURE CONTENTS

The soil deformation and shear strength characteristics of three clay soils were determined at different moisture contents and spherical pressures, using a quick un-drained triaxial compression test. The soils were found to deform either in a compressive way or by brittle fissuring, depending upon the relative values of moisture content, dry density and spherical pressure. The critical state concept of soil deformation can explain qualitatively the behaviour of these spils at high moisture contents but not at low. The Bridgman concept for fracture in brittle materials describes the soil behaviour at low moisture contents. The shear strength of the clay soils tested was more closely related to the soil moisture suction and to the amount of shrinkage which occurred on drying than to the absolute dry bulk density. The influence of moisture content and spherical pressure on the effectiveness of certain cultivation operations are considered.     

MEASUREMENT OF PORE SIZES IN FINE-TEXTURED SOILS: A REVIEW OF EXISTING TECHNIQUES

Pore size distributions obtained from the relationship between moisture content and suction are not dependable in fine-textured soils because of shrinkage. To overcome this problem, methods such as nitrogen sorption, mercury intrusion porosimetry, non-polar liquid desorption and thin sectioning have been used. In order to pre-dry samples without changes in the pore system, freeze-drying, organic liquid replacement of soil water, and critical point drying techniques have been employed. These methods of soil drying and pore size measurement are described and compared, and the validity of their use in soil studies is examined. The measurement of pore sizes by water desorption is also discussed.     

Physical properties and moisture retention characteristics of some nigerian soils

Measurements were made of physical characteristics of 119 samples from 23 profiles derived from two parent materials in Nigeria. The laboratory analyses included texture, plasticity and shrinkage characteristics, and a range of soil moisture constants including saturation point and moisture retention at various suctions. Simple and multiple correlation coefficients and regression analyses were conducted to investigate the possibilities of obtaining estimates of soil moisture retention from the textural analysis. Clay and sand contents are correlated with various soil moisture constants. The textural analysis may therefore be used to estimate moisture holding capacity at different suctions for these and similar soils with a predominantly uniform clay mineralogy, dominated by kaolinite and sesquioxides. Moisture retention curves indicate that the “field capacity” for most of these soils is better estimated at 60 or 100 cm of water suction rather than at 0.3 bar. A plot of the pF curves indicated only slight differences between moisture retention at 2 or 3 bar suction and at 15 bar suction.     

Die Bestimmung des hydraulischen Gradienten an der Befeuchtungsfront und seine Bedeutung für die Tonablösung im Boden

The determination of the hydraulic gradient of the wetting front and its relevance for clay detachment in soil As a result of some observations and experiments it must be supposed that clay migration does not only depend on the physico-chemical conditions but also on the water regime. Mechanical displacement of clay particles from its carrier can be the result of only rarely occuring high pore water velocities or of intensive changes of moisture suction at the wetting front, which can be quantified with the hydraulic gradient. A method how to determine the hydraulic gradient of the wetting front will be described. The determination and its importance for clay displacement will be explained by results of laboratory-experiments with sandy material packed into columns.