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A Dielectric Method for Determining Soil Moisture
Author(s) -
Fletcher Joel E.
Publication year - 1940
Publication title -
soil science society of america journal
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.836
H-Index - 168
eISSN - 1435-0661
pISSN - 0361-5995
DOI - 10.2136/sssaj1940.036159950004000c0015x
Subject(s) - citation , water content , computer science , library science , soil science , environmental science , engineering , geotechnical engineering
ELECTRICAL conductivity methods of determining soil moisture have failed in the Southwest because of the comparatively high concentrations of soluble salts commonly occurring in the soil. The tensiometer set-ups have not been very successful because of the dry conditions which prevail part of the year. Such dry conditions break the water columns, necessitating replacement before further results can be obtained. The method of taking samples is too tedious and requires an undue amount of disturbance in the surface of plots or lysimeters. To be satisfactory, a method for determining soil moisture must be independent to a large degree of the salt content of the soil. It must be reasonably accurate over the complete range of moisture contents commonly encountered in a given area. It must be rapid and simple to operate. It must be applicable to soils in situ. It should be affected only slightly by changes in temperature, and it is desirable that the apparatus used be easily portable.