scholarly journals Improving water retention capacity of an aeolian sandy soil with feldspathic sandstone

2019 ◽  
Vol 9 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Lu Zhang ◽  
Jichang Han
Keyword(s):  
Water Content ◽  
Soil Water ◽  
Sandy Soil ◽  
Water Retention ◽  
Water Retention Capacity ◽  
Retention Capacity ◽  
Mu Us Sandy Land ◽  
Soil Water Characteristic Curves ◽  
High Suction ◽  
Feldspathic Sandstone

Abstract The Mu Us sandy land in China’s Shaanxi Province faces a critical water shortage, with its aeolian sandy soil endangering the regional eco-environment. Here we investigated the effects of feldspathic sandstone on water retention in an aeolian sandy soil from the Mu Us sandy land. Feldspathic sandstone and aeolian sandy soil samples were mixed at different mass ratios of 0:1 (control), 1:5 (T1), 1:2 (T2), and 1:1 (T3). Soil-water characteristic curves were determined over low- to medium-suction (1–1000 kPa) and high-suction (1000–140 000 kPa) ranges, by centrifuge and water vapor equilibrium methods, respectively. Results showed that the addition of feldspathic sandstone modified the loose structure of the aeolian sandy soil mainly consisting of sand grains. The van Genuchten model described well the soil-water characteristic curves of all four experimental soils (R2-values > 0.97). Soil water content by treatment was ranked as T2 > T3 > T1 > control at the same low matric suction (1–5 kPa), but this shifted to T2 > T1 > T3 > control at the same medium- to high-suction (5–140 000 kPa). T2 soil had the largest saturated water content, with a relatively high water supply capacity. This soil (T2) also had the largest field capacity, total available water content, and permanent wilting coefficient, which were respectively 17.82%, 11.64%, and 23.11% higher than those of the control (P-values < 0.05). In conclusion, adding the feldspathic sandstone in an appropriate proportion (e.g., 33%) can considerably improve the water retention capacity of aeolian sandy soil in the study area.

scholarly journals Soil Water Dynamics and Growth of Street and Park Trees

2007 ◽  
Vol 33 (4) ◽  
pp. 231-245
Author(s):  
Christian Nielsen ◽  
Oliver Bühler ◽  
Palle Kristoffersen
Keyword(s):  
Water Content ◽  
Soil Water ◽  
Tree Growth ◽  
Water Loss ◽  
Water Retention ◽  
Tree Planting ◽  
Water Retention Capacity ◽  
Street Trees ◽  
Retention Capacity ◽  
Street Tree

Soil water dynamics were studied in 100 street tree planting pits and in the soil surrounding five park trees. Volumetric soil water content and stem cross-sectional area increment were measured on both park and street trees. Different levels of irrigation were implemented on the 100 street trees. Winter assessments of soil wetness at field capacity showed that the water retention capacity was lower in street planting pits than in the park soil attributable to the rather coarse substrate used in the planting pits. High variability among street tree planting pits in regard to water retention capacity was determined and may be related to poor standardization of the substrates, but may also be affected by varying drainage conditions. The rate of water loss in the street tree planting pits was very high immediately after rainfall or irrigation and decreased exponentially during the first 10 days after water input. This was attributed to rapid drainage. The water loss rate in the park soil was on average slightly higher than in the nonirrigated control street pits but showed a more linear decrease over time. We concluded that the water loss in the park soil during summer was primarily driven by transpiration of trees (above 10 L/day [2.6 gal/day]), which complies with common Danish forest experience. The relationship between water loss and tree growth was reversed in the street tree planting pits. The street trees did consume water for growth, but growth and transpiration of the street trees were not a noticeably driving mechanism in the planting pit hydrology. The large variation in street tree increment is attributed to the variation among street planting pits in their ability to retain water. The faster the water loss rate, the slower the tree growth. Irrigation did not prevent final depletion of the soil water resource in planting pits, but irrigation elevated the water content for limited periods during the growing season and thereby enhanced tree growth. Besides the obvious possibilities for improved water balance by horizontal and vertical expansion of the rooting zone, we also suggest improving the water retention capacity of planting pit soil by adding clay nodules. Options for continuous monitoring of tree vitality and soil water content to optimize maintenance are discussed.

scholarly journals Effect of Particle Size and Solution Leaching on Water Retention Behavior of Ion-Absorbed Rare Earth

Geofluids ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 2020 ◽  
pp. 1-14
Author(s):  
Zhong-qun Guo ◽  
Yuan-ming Lai ◽  
Jie-fang Jin ◽  
Jian-rong Zhou ◽  
Zheng Sun ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Particle Size ◽  
Rare Earth ◽  
Water Content ◽  
Soil Water ◽  
Water Retention ◽  
Soil Mass ◽  
Matric Suction ◽  
Water Retention Capacity ◽  
Retention Behavior ◽  
Retention Capacity

Soil-water characteristic curve reflects water retention behavior of unsaturated soil mass. Particle size and mineral composition can influence water retention behavior of soil mass significantly. To discuss effects of particle size and solution leaching on water retention behavior of ion-absorbed rare earth, soil-water characteristic tests of samples with different particle sizes before and after the solution leaching were carried out by using a pressure plate instrument. Soil-water characteristic curves during drying and wetting were analyzed. A fitting analysis on test data was implemented by the Fredlund&Xing 3 parameter model, the Fredlund&Xing 4 parameter model, and the Van Genuchten model to discuss variation laws of soil-water characteristic parameters in different models. Effects of particle size and solution leaching on water retention behavior of ion-absorbed rare earth as well as action mechanism were investigated. Results demonstrate that given the same matric suction, soil water content decreases gradually with the increase of particle size and content of coarse particles, thus decreasing water retention capacity of soil accordingly. Given the same volumetric water content, matric suction is inversely proportional to particle size. During drying and wetting, the amplitude of variation decreases gradually with the increase of particle size and content of coarse particles. The soil water content after solution leaching is smaller than that before under the same matric suction, indicating that solution leaching can decrease water retention capacity of soil. This is mainly because thickness of the double diffuse layer and pore water pressure are increased as a response to the ion exchange, thus decreasing matric suction.

scholarly journals Effect of Nano-Carbon on Water Holding Capacity in a Sandy Soil of the Loess Plateau

2017 ◽  
Vol 21 (4) ◽  
pp. 189-195 ◽  
Author(s):  
Beibei Zhou ◽  
Xiaopeng Chen
Keyword(s):  
Water Content ◽  
Soil Water ◽  
Loess Plateau ◽  
Sandy Soil ◽  
Water Retention ◽  
Soil Mixture ◽  
Cumulative Infiltration ◽  
Nano Carbon ◽  
Water Contents ◽  
Soil Water Contents

The poor water retention capacity of sandy soils commonly aggregate soil erosion and ecological environment on the Chinese Loess Plateau. Due to its strong capacity for absorption and large specific surface area, the use of nanocarbon made of coconut shell as a soil amendment that could improve water retention was investigated. Soil column experiments were conducted in which a layer of nanocarbon mixed well with the soil was formed at a depth of 20 cm below the soil surface. Four different nanocarbon contents by weight (0%, 0.1%, 0.5%, and 1%) and five thicknesses of the nanocarbon- soil mixture layer ranging from 1 to 5 cm were considered. Cumulative infiltration and soil water content distributions were determined when water was added to soil columns. Soil Water Characteristic Curves (SWCC) were obtained using the centrifuge method. The principal results showed that the infiltration rate and cumulative infiltration increased with the increases of nanocarbon contents, to the thicknesses of the nano carbon-soil mixture layer. Soil water contents that below the soil-nano carbon layer decreased sharply. Both the Brooks-Corey and van Genuchten models could describe well the SWCC of the disturbed sandy soil with various nano carbon contents. Both the saturated water content (θs), residual water content (θr) and empirical parameter (α) increased with increasing nano carbon content, while the pore-size distribution parameter (n) decreased. The available soil water contents were efficiently increased with the increase in nanocarbon contents.

Properties and Management of Allophanic Soils

2003 ◽  
Author(s):  
Anthony S. R. Juo ◽  
Kathrin Franzluebbers
Keyword(s):  
Water Content ◽  
Bulk Density ◽  
Water Retention ◽  
Field Capacity ◽  
High Water ◽  
Soil Porosity ◽  
Water Retention Capacity ◽  
Soil Taxonomy ◽  
Retention Capacity ◽  
High Soil

Allophanic soils are dark-colored young soils derived mainly from volcanic ash. These soils typically have a low bulk density (< 0.9 Mg/m3), a high water retention capacity (100% by weight at field capacity), and contain predominantly allophanes, imogolite, halloysite, and amorphous Al silicates in the clay fraction. These soils are found in small, restricted areas with volcanic activity. Worldwide, there are about 120 million ha of allophanic soils, which is about 1% of the Earth's ice-free land surface. In tropical regions, allophanic soils are among the most productive and intensively used agricultural soils. They occur in the Philippines, Indonesia, Papua New Guinea, the Caribbean and South Pacific islands, East Africa, Central America, and the Andean rim of South America. Allophanic soils are primarily Andisols and andic Inceptisols, Entisols, Mollisols, and Alfisols according to the Soil Taxonomy classification. Allophanic soils generally have a dark-colored surface soil, slippery or greasy consistency, a predominantly crumb and granular structure, and a low bulk density ranging from 0.3 to 0.8 Mg/m3. Although allophanic soils are apparently well-drained, they still have a very high water content many days after rain. When the soil is pressed between fingers, it gives a plastic, greasy, but non-sticky sensation of a silty or loamy texture. When dry, the soil loses its greasiness and becomes friable and powdery. The low bulk density of allophanic soils is closely related to the high soil porosity. For example, moderately weathered allophanic soils typically have a total porosity of 78%, with macro-, meso-, and micropores occupying 13%, 33%, and 32%, respectively. Water retained in the mesopores is readily available for plant uptake. Water retained in the micropores is held strongly by soil particles and is not readily available for plant use. The macropores provide soil aeration and facilitate water infiltration. The high water retention capacity is also associated with the high soil porosity. In allophanic soils formed under a humid climate, especially those containing large amounts of allophane, the moisture content at field capacity can be as high as 300%, calculated on a weight basis. Such extremely high values of water content seem misleading.

A new procedure for the determination of soil-water retention curves by continuous drying using high-suction tensiometers

2011 ◽  
Vol 48 (2) ◽  
pp. 327-335 ◽  
Author(s):  
S. D.N. Lourenço ◽  
D. Gallipoli ◽  
D. G. Toll ◽  
C. E. Augarde ◽  
F. D. Evans
Keyword(s):  
Water Content ◽  
Soil Water ◽  
Water Retention ◽  
Soil Water Retention ◽  
Mass Measurements ◽  
Discrete Measurement ◽  
Wetting Process ◽  
High Suction

Soil-water retention curves (SWRCs) can be determined using high-suction tensiometers (HSTs) following two different procedures that involve either continuous or discrete measurement of suction. In the former case, suction measurements are taken while the sample is permanently exposed to the atmosphere and the soil is continuously drying. In the latter case, the drying or wetting process is halted at different stages to ensure equalization within the sample before measuring suction. Continuous drying has the advantage of being faster; however, it has the disadvantage that the accuracy of mass measurements (necessary for the determination of water content) is affected by the weight and stiffness of the cable connecting the HST to the logger. To overcome this problem, an alternative continuous drying procedure is presented in this paper in which two separate but nominally identical samples are used to obtain a single SWRC; one sample is used for the mass measurements, while a second sample is used for suction measurements. It is demonstrated that the new continuous drying procedure gives SWRCs that are similar to those obtained by discrete drying.

scholarly journals Litter and deadwood water retention processes in a temperate mixed forest

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Marius G. Floriancic ◽  
Scott T. Allen ◽  
Peter Molnar
Keyword(s):  
Soil Water ◽  
Forest Floor ◽  
Water Retention ◽  
Storage Capacity ◽  
Soil Layer ◽  
Mixed Forest ◽  
Water Retention Capacity ◽  
Forest Site ◽  
Retention Capacity ◽  
Temperate Mixed Forest

&lt;p&gt;Countless studies have demonstrated ways in which forests and trees affect catchment water balances. Water balance differences between forested and non-forested landscapes are often attributed to characteristics related to trees&amp;#8217; ability to take up and transpire water, as well as their ability to intercept precipitation. However, another potentially important characteristic of forests that has been largely overlooked in hydrologic studies is the retention and accumulation of debris, litter and deadwood on the forest floor. Here we leverage ongoing measurements at the new hillslope laboratory &amp;#8220;Waldlabor&amp;#8221; in Zurich, Switzerland, where water retention in forest litter, deadwood and the top soil layer has been investigated using frequent field campaigns and innovative new sensing techniques.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Several approaches were used to determine the maximum storage capacity as well as the storage dynamics of different types and layers of litter. In-lab saturation experiments revealed the maximum storage capacity of various litter types (i.e., leaf and needle litter). Those values were also supported with field pre- and post- rainfall sampling campaigns to determine in-situ litter storage dynamics, as well as to understand the interplay between litter interception and soil-water recharge. Importantly, recharge was often substantially smaller at plots with litter, compared to those without litter. The storage and water retention capacity of deadwood samples was measured in the field by logging the diurnal differences in deadwood weight over a six month period. Dew and fog deposition during the night led to larger water availability for evaporation during the day. We measured increased humidity at sensors in the forest at 1 and 3m heights respectively, compared to the humidity outside the forest. Daily weight measurements over eight weeks of 40 deadwood pieces at our forest site revealed differences in the storage capacity depended on the degree of decomposition. Additionally, we found that water stored in forest floor spruce cones (daily measurements of 20 pieces) actively contributed to evaporation fluxes.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;The combination of continuous sensor measurements (soil moisture, deadwood water content), field measurements (litter and deadwood grab samples) as well as laboratory work (saturation experiments) revealed the water storage and retention capacity of litter and deadwood in a typical temperate mixed forest and their contribution to evaporation. These measurements are one component of the new ETH Z&amp;#252;rich &amp;#8220;Waldlabor&amp;#8221; research infrastructure, which also includes measurements of precipitation, xylem water, soil water, groundwater, and discharge amounts, isotope ratios, and other chemical characteristics.&lt;/p&gt;

scholarly journals How and why does willow biochar increase a clay soil water retention capacity?

2018 ◽  
Vol 119 ◽  
pp. 346-353 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kimmo Rasa ◽  
Jaakko Heikkinen ◽  
Markus Hannula ◽  
Kai Arstila ◽  
Sampo Kulju ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Soil Water ◽  
Water Retention ◽  
Clay Soil ◽  
Water Retention Capacity ◽  
Soil Water Retention ◽  
Retention Capacity

scholarly journals Study of drought tolerance of hybrid material of home plum in southern Russia

2020 ◽  
pp. 94-98
Author(s):  
A. A. Kochubey ◽  
R. Sh. Zaremuk
Keyword(s):  
Drought Tolerance ◽  
Water Content ◽  
Water Retention ◽  
Leaf Tissue ◽  
Stress Factors ◽  
Water Retention Capacity ◽  
Retention Capacity ◽  
Drought Resistant ◽  
Water Holding ◽  
Hybrid Forms

Relevance. The aim of the research was to determine the physiological characteristics of the manifestation of resistance to stress factors (drought) of new hybrid forms of domestic plum and the allocation of the most drought-resistant in the environmental conditions of southern gardening.Methods. The article presents the results of drought tolerance studies of six promising hybrid forms of home plum (17–1-55, 17–1-69, 17–2-64, 17–2-78, 17–2-81, 17–3-79), concentrated in the genetic collection of SKFNTSVV. The main indicators characterizing the varieties and hybrids of home plum were determined as drought tolerant — the water content of the leaves and the water holding capacity of the leaves under conditions of summer moisture deficiency.Results. The water content of leaf tissue of hybrid forms in the hottest period (second — third decade of July) was heterogeneous. The highest water content in tissues was observed in hybrid seedlings 17–2-64 (63.1%) and 17–2-81 (59.6%). The smallest value was observed in the hybrid 17–3-79 and amounted to 49.7%. According to the data obtained, it was concluded that the studied hybrid forms do not differ in high water content, with the exception of hybrid 17–2-64, in which the water content can be characterized as above average. It was found that the water retention capacity of most hybrid forms is average. The total water content after withering in the studied hybrids was more than 80%. The greatest decrease in the amount of water in the leaves was observed in hybrids 17–1-55 (18.9%), 17–2-64 (18.5%), 17–3-79 (18.4%); the smallest — in hybrids 17–1-69 (13.3%), 17–2-78 (13.6%), which indicates a highwater retention capacity of the last two hybrids. With a general assessment of the hybrid fund of home plum, it was found that most hybrids studied have low hydration of leaf tissue and average water retention capacity. Based on this, two drought-resistant hybrid forms were identified: 17–1-69 and 17–2-78, which, despite the low water content, are distinguished by good water-holding ability in comparison with other hybrids and, as a consequence, the conservation of leaf turgor.

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