scholarly journals Prediction of soil water retention properties after stratification by combining texture, bulk density and the type of horizon

2008 ◽  
Vol 24 (4) ◽  
pp. 383-391 ◽  
Author(s):  
H. Al Majou ◽  
A. Bruand ◽  
O. Duval ◽  
C. Le Bas ◽  
A. Vautier
2021 ◽  
pp. 51495
Author(s):  
Ruth M. Barajas‐Ledesma ◽  
Vanessa N. L. Wong ◽  
Karen Little ◽  
Antonio F. Patti ◽  
Gil Garnier

Author(s):  
Francesca Ventura ◽  
Fiorenzo Salvatorelli ◽  
Stefano Piana ◽  
Linda Pieri ◽  
Paola Rossi Pisa

ABSTRACTThe pyrolysis conversion of vegetable residues into energy and biochar, and its incorporation in agricultural soil, reduces CO2emission and provides a longterm soil carbon sequestration. Moreover, biochar application in soil seems to increase nutrient stocks in the rooting layer, improving crop yield. Compared with the numerous studies assessing the positive effect of biochar on yield, however, little research has been published elucidating the mechanisms responsible for the reported benefits. Few studies cited soil moisture as the key factor, attributing the increased yield to the higher soil water availability.The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of biochar on the physical and hydraulic properties of a bare Padana Plain (Cadriano, Bologna) agricultural soil. A preliminary plot experiment in 2009 explored the influence of 10 and 30 kg ha–1of biochar on soil moisture, without effects from plants. Results of the first experiment suggested using higher biochar rates in a similar experimental scheme. During the second experiment, 30 and 60 t ha–1doses were investigated. Soil water content, bulk density, electrical conductivity and soil water retention were measured. The comparison between treated soils and the control indicates that the biochar rate is directly correlated to electrical conductibility and inversely correlated with bulk density. The effect on the density of soil can be very positive in case of heavy soils. The dark colour of the char increased the surface temperature with respect to the control, while no differences were detected at 7·5 cm depth. No influences were found on other soil characteristics, including soil pH, moisture and water retention.


2013 ◽  
Vol 50 (4) ◽  
pp. 435-450 ◽  
Author(s):  
Christopher T.S. Beckett ◽  
Charles E. Augarde

Several models have been suggested to link a soil's pore-size distribution to its retention properties. This paper presents a method that builds on previous techniques by incorporating porosity and particles of different sizes, shapes, and separation distances to predict soil water retention properties. Mechanisms are suggested for the determination of both the main drying and wetting paths, which incorporate an adsorbed water phase and retention hysteresis. Predicted results are then compared with measured retention data to validate the model and to provide a foundation for discussing the validity and limitations of using pore-size distributions to predict retention properties.


1988 ◽  
Vol 24 (3) ◽  
pp. 375-384 ◽  
Author(s):  
N. R. Hulugalle ◽  
M. S. Rodriguez

SUMMARYThe soil physical properties of tied ridges were measured in a trial, established in 1983, comparing three treatments: handhoe cultivation and planting on the flat; planting directly without any cultivation on tied ridges constructed the previous year; and handhoe cultivation and remoulding of tied ridges constructed the previous year. Two maize varieties and two management levels were used. The soil properties monitored were particle size distribution, penetro-meter resistance in the surface 20 mm, bulk density, water infiltration, soil water retention and soil temperature.Soil physical properties were affected mainly by the type of seedbed. Clay content in the surface 0.05 m was greater with tied ridging, with that in the furrows being higher than that in the ridge slopes. Daily maximum soil temperature was greatest in the flat planted plots and in the ridge slopes of the tied ridged plots. Penetrometer resistance at a soil water content of 0.05 kg kg−1 was greater in the tied ridged plots. Cumulative infiltration after 2 h was greatest with flat planting. The bulk density of ridge slopes in tied ridged plots was less than that in the furrows and in the flat planted plots. Soil water retention was greatest in the furrows of the tied ridged plots. Clay content was the major factor determining all the soil physical properties measured.


2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Huihui Sun ◽  
Jaehoon Lee ◽  
Xijuan Chen ◽  
Jie Zhuang

Abstract Soil water retention determines plant water availability and contaminant transport processes in the subsurface environment. However, it is usually difficult to measure soil water retention characteristics. In this study, an analytical model based on a fractional bulk density (FBD) concept was presented for estimating soil water retention curves. The concept allows partitioning of soil pore space according to the relative contribution of certain size fractions of particles to the change in total pore space. The input parameters of the model are particle size distribution (PSD), bulk density, and residual water content at water pressure head of 15,000 cm. The model was tested on 30 sets of water retention data obtained from various types of soils that cover wide ranges of soil texture from clay to sand and soil bulk density from 0.33 g/cm3 to 1.65 g/cm3. Results showed that the FBD model was effective for all soil textures and bulk densities. The estimation was more sensitive to the changes in soil bulk density and residual water content than PSD parameters. The proposed model provides an easy way to evaluate the impacts of soil bulk density on water conservation in soils that are manipulated by mechanical operation.


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