Changes in soil properties under intermittent water application

Summary A simple laboratory method was developed to measure changes in saturated hydraulic conductivity and bulk density as affected by intermittent saturating and draining of soil columns. Significant changes in soil properties were measured after intermittent wetting and draining. Laboratory experiments showed significant changes in bulk density and saturated hydraulic conductivity of soil samples during drainage period following saturation of initially dried samples. The rate of changes in soil properties during the drainage period was a function of soil type and degree of desaturation. The effect of intermittent application of water in reducing the soil hydraulic conductivity and subsequently the infiltration rate was verified in the field by measuring the changes in soil intake rate during intermittent (Surge-flow) irrigation.