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.

scholarly journals Testing of experimental samples of nanofibrillar cellulose in the production of lightweight coated paper

2021 ◽  
Vol 25 (2) ◽  
pp. 90-98
Author(s):  
E.T. Tyurin ◽  
◽  
A.A. Zuikov ◽  
A.I. Bondarev ◽  
L.P. Gulyanz ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
High Speed ◽  
Water Retention ◽  
High Water ◽  
Water Retention Capacity ◽  
Preliminary Assessment ◽  
Coated Paper ◽  
Retention Capacity ◽  
Paper Coatings ◽  
Nanofibrillar Cellulose ◽  
Coating Composition

The influence of nanofibrillar cellulose samples on the coating compositions water retention is considered. It was shown that gels of nanofibrillar cellulose and coating compositions based on them are distinguished by a high water-retention capacity during centrifugation (50.8% and 31.0% versus 17.7% with NaCMC). A preliminary assessment of the printing and technical properties of light weight coated paper (LWC) using nanofibrillar cellulose in the coating composition has been carried out. The technical characteristics of nanofibrillar cellulose have been determined, formulations of lightweight paper coatings have been developed for high-speed modern equipment.

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.

Innovative green roof with high water retention and durability

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Thomas Cornelius Buch-Hanser ◽  
Guangli Du ◽  
David John Duffus
Keyword(s):  
Water Retention ◽  
Green Roof ◽  
Water Reservoir ◽  
Green Roofs ◽  
High Water ◽  
Water Retention Capacity ◽  
Storm Events ◽  
Concrete Element ◽  
Retention Capacity ◽  
Roof System

<p>Given the rapid increase in urban populations, combined with the effects of climate change, cities are struggling to provide green spaces to address liveability as well as adaptability to new challenges. Water retention and bio-diversity are the main advantages of green roofs. There are, however, limitations to green roofs that impede their acceptance and proliferation. There is for example uncertainty on how much water they retain during major storm events. In terms of building technology, green roofs today aren’t robust, and the risk for leakage through the roof membrane is disproportionally high when compared to the cost. A newly developed innovative green roof system with high water retention capacity and high durability will be presented. The patented prefabricated technology incorporate insulation and membrane into a single concrete element, ensuring improved robustness, quickened building times and a long term durable product. Initial indications for pricing indicate that the system is price-neutral when compared with green roofs as they are built today. The optimized structural performance obtain same loadbearing capacity, as existing systems, in spite of the relatively increased space created for water reservoir, without compromising the insulation capacity, hence the new green roof system further contribute to increased sustainability.</p>

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 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.

scholarly journals Evaluation of the short-term effect of tillage practices on soil hydro-physical properties

2019 ◽  
Vol 52 (1) ◽  
pp. 43
Author(s):  
Omid Bahmani
Keyword(s):  
Physical Properties ◽  
Water Retention ◽  
Total Porosity ◽  
Field Capacity ◽  
Water Retention Capacity ◽  
Model Parameters ◽  
Retention Capacity ◽  
Tillage Practices ◽  
Available Water ◽  
The Impact

<p><strong> </strong>Tillage is one of the most important practices that have a significant influence on the soil hydro-physical properties. In this study, the impact of the type and number of input variables with five different methods of the Retc model to predicting the moisture retention curve and soil water content in three surfaces tillage NT (No-tillage), CP (Chisel Plough) and MP (Moldboard Plough) and the impact of tillage systems on soil hydro-physical properties were evaluated. According to results, when the field capacity and wilting point moisture was added to input data in Retc to predict the moisture curve model parameters, the EF was increased in MP (0.977, 0.95) and CP (0.891, 0.86) treatments compare the NT (0.665, 0.608). The Mualem–Van Genuchten model can describe satisfactorily the simulation of soil physical properties. The S-index, which was also affected by tillage, was greater than 0.066 in all tillage treatments, indicating good soil physical quality. Results indicated that NT had the highest and lowest values of bulk density (1.55 Mgr.m<sup>-3</sup>) and total available water (TAW) (0.038 m.m<sup>-1</sup>), respectively, and the differences between NT and MP in total porosity was significant. Overall, in most soil layers, tillage practices affected the porosity and total available water in the order MP &gt; CP &gt; NT. Water retention curves indicated that the water retention capacity was greater in tilled than in no-tilled and saturated hydraulic conductivity values were greater in tilled treatments than in NT soil.</p>

scholarly journals Study of the influence of adaptogens on the water regime of some varieties of the genus Chrysanthemum L. during the introduction into the Bashkir Pre-Urals

2020 ◽  
Vol 202 (11) ◽  
pp. 2-13
Author(s):  
Svetlana Denisova ◽  
Antonina Reut
Keyword(s):  
Water Content ◽  
Water Deficit ◽  
Water Retention ◽  
Water Regime ◽  
Botanical Garden ◽  
Moisture Loss ◽  
Water Retention Capacity ◽  
Total Water Content ◽  
Total Water ◽  
Retention Capacity

Abstract. Purpose. Study of the effect of anti-stress adaptogens on the water regime of some varieties of chrysanthemum in the conditions of the Bashkir Pre-Urals. Methodology and methods. The analysis of indicators of water regime is based on the method of artificial wilting (V. N. Tarenkov, L. N. Ivanova) and the method of saturation of plant samples (V. P. Moiseev, N. P. Reshetskiy). Plants were processed once, and samples were taken in three terms. Calculations were carried out by standard methods using statistical packages of the Microsoft Excel 2003 and the Agros 2.13. Results. The dynamics of indicators of the water regime during the treatment with the preparations “Gumi-20” and “Oberig” is analyzed. An assessment of the total water content, water retention capacity, daily moisture loss and water deficit of ten varieties of chrysanthemum bred by the South-Ural Botanical Garden-Institute of UFRC RAS (SUBGI UFRC RAS) in the period under study is given. Studies have shown that varieties of chrysanthemum in the Bashkir Ural under the same soil-climatic and agrotechnical conditions had the following indicators: total water content ‒ 69.4–86.9 %, water-holding capacity ‒ 25.6–53.8 %, daily moisture loss ‒ 17.2–61.0 %, water deficit ‒ 10.9–13.2 %. The use of anti-stress adaptogens did not have a significant effect on the parameters of the water regime, or their effect was variety-specific. As a result of the correlation-regression analysis, inverse relationships were revealed between the indicators of water deficit and the total water content, as well as between the daily water loss and water retention capacity. Scientific novelty. For the first time, the water regime of varieties of chrysanthemum of the SUBGI UFRC RAS selection was studied, the dependences of the water regime indicators were revealed, and the assessment of the expediency of using anti-stress adaptogens for certain varieties in the conditions of the Bashkir Pre-Urals was given.

scholarly journals Substrate Amendment Effects on Potted Plant Production and Dry Weight Partition of Lantana camara

HortScience ◽  
2011 ◽  
Vol 46 (6) ◽  
pp. 864-869 ◽  
Author(s):  
Panayiotis A. Nektarios ◽  
Serafim Kastritsis ◽  
Nikolaos Ntoulas ◽  
Panayiota Tsiotsiopoulou
Keyword(s):  
Plant Growth ◽  
Bulk Density ◽  
Water Retention ◽  
Shoot Growth ◽  
Lantana Camara ◽  
Plant Production ◽  
Water Retention Capacity ◽  
Retention Capacity ◽  
Biometric Measurements ◽  
Amended Soil

Ten substrates were evaluated for their capacity to promote the growth of potted Lantana camara. The substrates consisted of different volumetric proportions of sandy loam soil (S), peat (P), perlite (Per), and urea formaldehyde resin foam (UFRF referred to as F), the latter in an effort to substitute peat use in horticulture. The substrates studied were: S, S60:P40, S40:P60, S60:F40, S40:F60, P60:F40, P40:F60, S40:P30:Per30, S40:F30:Per30, and P50:Per50. Measurements included: 1) substrate physical and chemical characteristics such as water characteristic curves, bulk density, total porosity, easily available water, and pH; 2) biometric measurements such as shoot length and number and number of flowers; and 3) determination of main and lateral stems, leaf, flower, and root dry weights. Results showed that substrates P60:F40 and P40:F60 retained excessive water in all tensions, whereas substrate P50:Per50 exhibited increased water retention at saturation that was quickly reduced after 10 cm of tension. The non-amended soil (S) had the least water retention capacity and proved to be a slow-draining substrate. Supplementation either with peat or peat and perlite (S60:P40, S40:P60, and S40:P30:Per30) significantly increased water retention in the soil-based substrates. Soil-based substrates supplemented with UFRF retained less water compared with peat-amended soil-based substrates. Concerning plant growth, Lantana plants growing in the UFRF-amended substrates were unable to recover from frost injury and their evaluation was interrupted after winter as a result of total plant loss. The injury was attributed to the reduction of plant growth in UFRF-supplemented substrates before the occurrence of frost stress events. Soil-based substrates (S, S60:P40, S40:P60, and S40:P30:Per30) provided greater shoot growth, which was almost twofold compared with substrate P50:Per50. Substrate S40:P30:Per30 produced the most lateral shoots and flowers over the whole study period, whereas S40:P60 produced the most flowers during the summer. Dry weights of both stem and lateral stems followed a similar pattern with the biometric measurements. However the non-amended soil (S) produced the highest leaf and root dry weights followed by substrates S60:P40 and S40:P60. It was concluded that both substrates S40:P60 and S40:P30:Per30 can successfully be used for Lantana nursery production as a result of their decreased bulk density, increased water retention capacity, adequate porosity, and promotion of shoot growth and flowering. Despite its high bulk density, substrate S could be used in the production of Lantana plants for landscape use as a result of the increased root production.

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