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Propagation of Sinusoidal Solute Density Oscillations in the Mobile and Stagnant Phases of a Soil
Author(s) -
Raats P. A. C.
Publication year - 1973
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/sssaj1973.03615995003700050016x
Subject(s) - oscillation (cell signaling) , phase (matter) , mechanics , absorption (acoustics) , leaching (pedology) , constant (computer programming) , materials science , soil science , chemistry , thermodynamics , physics , environmental science , soil water , composite material , biochemistry , organic chemistry , computer science , programming language
In order to account for the structure of a soil, a solute may be considered to be divided between a mobile phase and a stagnant phase. The mobile phase may correspond to the solution in a system of large pores and is assumed to move at a uniform, constant velocity in a certain direction. The stagnant phase may correspond to the solution in a system of small pores. The distribution and exchange of solute between the mobile and stagnant phases is assumed to be described by the ratio of the capacities of the two phases to store solute and a finite response time. The propagation of a sinusoidal solute density oscillation is analyzed in terms of its absorption coefficient, phase shift factor, and speed. The model shows clearly that the solute tends to bypass the stagnant phase. The results suggest several methods for measuring the parameters describing the interaction between the soil and the solute, and are of interest with regard to leaching of fertilizers and organic chemicals applied at the soil surface.