scholarly journals Soil catena along gypseous woodland in the middle Ebro Basin: soil properties and micromorphology relationships .

2014 ◽  
Vol 2 ◽  
Author(s):  
Javier M Aznar ◽  
David Badía Villas ◽  
Rosa M Poch
Keyword(s):  
Soil Water ◽  
Water Retention ◽  
Pore Space ◽  
Chemical Properties ◽  
Field Capacity ◽  
Low Fertility ◽  
Soil Profiles ◽  
Soil Water Retention ◽  
Ebro Basin ◽  
Available Water

Gypsisols, mainly distributed in arid lands, support a key economic activity and have attracted a lot of scientific interest due to their particular physical and chemical properties. For example, Gypsisols show a high erodibility, low fertility and a variable water holding capacity that can be attributed to different gypsum particle sizes. This study aims to describe some representative Gypsisols from the middle Ebro Basin. Five representative soil profiles (mainly Gypsisols by WRB) were selected and sampled at different positions along a hillside where soils where developed on gyprock. Furthemore, it links micromorphological properties with soil water retention. Soils have a dominant loamy texture, more rarely stoney. Gypsum is abundant in all soil profiles, ranging from 6 to 84% with minimum values in Ah horizons and maximum in By and Cy. The soils have a low level of salinity and a very low cation exchange capacity (CEC). The soil organic matter (SOM) is medium or abundant in the Ah horizons, otherwise it is low. Soil aggregate stability (SAS) is related significantly and positively with SOM and porosity, which is also positively related with moisture retention at field capacity and saturation humidity. However, there is no significant correlation between porosity and permanent wilting point (PWP). Soil water retention is dependant on the gypsum percentage and textural class. Low levels of gypsum have no influence on water retention, but high gypsum levels (> 60%) enhance the field capacity (FC) and decrease PWP, especially when the gypsum is microcrystalline. Gypsum levels between 40 and 60% also increase available water contents (AWC) due to a decrease in PWP. There is a positive and significant correlation between PWP and FC in Gypsisols, except for those which are loamy and have gypsum values over 40%. The higher available water capacity (AWC) than expected is related to microcrystalline gypsum, predominant in the studied soils. These high AWC values are counteracted by an increasingly irregular pore space not suitable for root growth. All these cited characteristics result in a low fertility, influenced by the weather and the human impact, which deforested the highest part of these mountains in the Middle Ages.

Synthesis and Characterization of Ionically-Crosslinked κ- Carrageenan/Sodium Alginate/Carboxymethyl Cellulose Hydrogel Blends for Soil Water Retention and Fertilizer Release

2020 ◽  
Vol 304 ◽  
pp. 59-65 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jessa De Guzman ◽  
Keesha Dela Peña ◽  
Joy Ytac Dorothy ◽  
Terence Tumolva
Keyword(s):  
Soil Water ◽  
Sodium Alginate ◽  
Carboxymethyl Cellulose ◽  
Water Retention ◽  
Field Capacity ◽  
The Philippines ◽  
Soil Water Retention ◽  
Depletion Rate ◽  
Fertilizer Release ◽  
The Impact

Providing enough water in farming has become a challenge in the Philippines due to insufficient irrigation and escalating drought conditions, thereby decreasing agricultural productivity. The impact of this problem can be lessened through efficient water usage: by reducing water wastage in runoff or evaporation and improving soil water retention. Hydrogels can be used for this purpose due to their water absorption capabilities. In this study, a novel, biodegradable agricultural hydrogel was developed from κ-carrageenan, sodium alginate and carboxymethyl cellulose, crosslinked with Ca2+ and K+ ions. Scanning electron microscopy analysis confirmed the successful crosslinking while swelling tests revealed them as superabsorbent hydrogels, with maximum absorption reaching 2000%. Soil amended with 2% (w/w) hydrogel showed reduced water-depletion rate and improved field capacity by a maximum of 17.6% and 17.4%, respectively. Fertilizer release test also showed the potential of these hydrogels as fertilizer carriers.

scholarly journals Estimated soil water storage within a historical bunker during the growth period of vegetation

2018 ◽  
Vol 39 (1) ◽  
pp. 125-130 ◽  
Author(s):  
Łukasz Pardela ◽  
Tomasz Kowalczyk
Keyword(s):  
Soil Moisture ◽  
Soil Water ◽  
Water Retention ◽  
Growth Period ◽  
Vegetation Period ◽  
Soil Water Storage ◽  
Soil Profiles ◽  
Soil Water Retention ◽  
Average Value ◽  
Volumetric Soil Moisture

AbstractThe objective of the study was to estimate the variation of soil water retention on the site of a historical bunker, an element of the former Wrocław Fortress in Poland. Measurements of soil moisture in the study area were taken in the period from March to September, 2017. Measurements of volumetric soil moisture were taken by means of a hand-held gauge, type FOM/mts with an FP/mts probe, operating on the basis of the reflectometric technique TDR. Soil moisture measurements realized in the vegetation period demonstrated that soil moisture resources in profiles situated in the section of the bunker varied within the range of 37–135 mm in the layer of 50 cm, and 66–203 mm in the layer of 100 cm. The maximum differences of the average value of soil moisture of the soil profiles studied in the period covered by the measurements were 31 mm and 56 mm, respectively. This indicates a significant differentiation of the retention properties of soils used for the construction of individual shelter areas.

How do grain size and dose of sunflower husk biochar influence the water retention of sandy soil?

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Anna Rafalska-Przysucha ◽  
Radosław Szlązak ◽  
Justina Vitková ◽  
Łukasz Gluba ◽  
Mateusz Lukowski ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Grain Size ◽  
Water Content ◽  
Soil Water ◽  
Sandy Soil ◽  
Water Retention ◽  
Soil Samples ◽  
Satellite Monitoring ◽  
Soil Water Retention ◽  
Available Water ◽  
Plant Available Water

<p>Biochar is a carbon-rich material obtained from the process of biomass pyrolysis. Due to its desirable properties, it is discussed as a soil amendment to improve soil quality; for example, adding biochar can change soil water retention by modifying soil textural and structural properties. However, the optimal fabrication conditions and proportions of biochar particles sizes, that would improve soil properties are still not precisely known. In our research, we investigated the influence of grain size and a dose of biochar on water retention of sandy soil. For this purpose, water retention curves (pF) were measured, as it indicates such important properties as plant available water, field water capacity, wilting point. The studies were carried out on podzol soil samples taken from meadow located in Sekow, Poland, mixed with different percentage mass content of sunflower husk biochar produced in 650-750°C (0.95, 2.36, 4.76 and 9.52% of sample weight). Samples contain one of biochar granulometric fraction: 250-100, 100-50 or less than 50 µm. The control included soil samples with the addition of mixed fractions of biochar and soil without biochar. The research method we used allows obtaining information about plant available water content by comparing differences in water content between 0.06 and 5 bar pressure points which corresponding to a 1.85-3.7 pF. In this range, most plants can use water for their growth and development. Our results revealed that, surprisingly, soil with all fractions of biochar reduces the amount of available water for plants compared to the control (soil without biochar), regardless of the biochar dose applied. However, fractionated biochar can both increase or decrease the soil water content, depending on the particle size and dose. Small doses of sunflower husk biochar (0.95 and 2.36%) and the finest fraction (<50μm) have the most beneficial effects for water retention of investigated soil. Our research may strongly suggest the biochar producers that the production of biochar with the right fraction may be more favourable for increasing soil water retention. </p><p>Research was partially conducted under the project “Water in soil - satellite monitoring and improving the retention using biochar” no. BIOSTRATEG3/345940/7/NCBR/2017 which was financed by Polish National Centre for Research and Development in the framework of “Environment, agriculture and forestry” – BIOSTRATEG strategic R&D programme.</p>

The influence of microplastic on soil hydraulic properties

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Patrizia Hangele ◽  
Katharina Luise Müller ◽  
Hannes Laermanns ◽  
Christina Bogner
Keyword(s):  
Hydraulic Conductivity ◽  
Soil Water ◽  
Hydraulic Properties ◽  
Water Retention ◽  
Pore Space ◽  
Water Retention Curve ◽  
Soil Hydraulic Properties ◽  
Soil Water Retention ◽  
Soil Hydraulic Conductivity ◽  
Soil Hydraulic

<p>The need to study the occurrence and effects of microplastic (MP) in different ecosystems has become apparent by a variety of studies in the past years. Until recently, research regarding MP in the environment has mainly focused on marine systems. Within terrestrial systems, studies suggest soils to be the biggest sink for MP. Some studies now started to explore the presence of MP in soils. However, there is a substantial lack of the basic mechanistic understanding of the behaviour of MP particles within soils.</p><p>This study investigates how the presence of MP in soils affects their hydraulic properties. In order to understand these processes, experiments are set up under controlled laboratory conditions as to set unknown influencing variables to a minimum. Different substrates, from simple sands to undisturbed soils, are investigated in soil cylinders. MP particles of different sizes and forms of the most common plastic types are applied to the surface of the soil cylinders and undergo an irrigation for the MP particles to infiltrate. Soil-water retention curves and soil hydraulic conductivity are measured before and after the application of MP particles. It is hypothesised that the infiltrated MP particles clog a part of the pore space and should thus reduce soil hydraulic conductivity and change the soil-water retention curve of the sample. Knowledge about the influence of MP on soil hydraulic properties are crucial to understand transport and retention of MP in soils.</p>

Fertilization effects of compost produced from maize, sewage sludge and biochar on soil water retention and chemical properties

2020 ◽  
Vol 197 ◽  
pp. 104493 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tomasz Głąb ◽  
Andrzej Żabiński ◽  
Urszula Sadowska ◽  
Krzysztof Gondek ◽  
Michał Kopeć ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Sewage Sludge ◽  
Soil Water ◽  
Water Retention ◽  
Chemical Properties ◽  
Soil Water Retention ◽  
Fertilization Effects ◽  
And Chemical Properties

scholarly journals Estimating soil water retention for wide ranges of pressure head and bulk density based on a fractional bulk density concept

2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Huihui Sun ◽  
Jaehoon Lee ◽  
Xijuan Chen ◽  
Jie Zhuang
Keyword(s):  
Water Content ◽  
Bulk Density ◽  
Soil Water ◽  
Water Retention ◽  
Pore Space ◽  
Pressure Head ◽  
Soil Bulk Density ◽  
Residual Water ◽  
Soil Water Retention ◽  
Residual Water Content

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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