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A Theory on the Soil Atmosphere in and around a Hemisphere in Which Soil Gases Are Used or Released
Author(s) -
Bavel C. H. M.
Publication year - 1952
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/sssaj1952.03615995001600020010x
Subject(s) - legendre polynomials , partial pressure , mathematics , constant (computer programming) , simple (philosophy) , algebraic number , northern hemisphere , atmosphere (unit) , soil science , mathematical analysis , atmospheric sciences , physics , environmental science , thermodynamics , computer science , philosophy , epistemology , quantum mechanics , oxygen , programming language
If the root system of a plant is taken as approximately hemispherical it is of interest to compute the distribution of partial pressures of soil gases. This can be done by assuming that these gases are taken up, or released, at a constant rate throughout the hemisphere and also that the physical condition of the soil with regard to diffusion is uniform. Inside the hemisphere the solution is a simple algebraic expression and outside it is an infinite series containing Legendre's polynomials. In addition to the exact formulas the solution is given in the form of a computed graph, which may be used to calculate actual values of partial pressure at any point in the soil, if the necessary constants are known. It appears that the extreme values of partial pressure are closely centered around the apex of the hemisphere.