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Limitations of the Instantaneous Profile Method for Field Measurement of Unsaturated Hydraulic Conductivity
Author(s) -
Baker F. G.,
Veneman P. L. M.,
Bouma J.
Publication year - 1974
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/sssaj1974.03615995003800060017x
Subject(s) - tensiometer (surface tension) , moisture , soil water , water content , hydraulic conductivity , soil science , water retention , field (mathematics) , soil horizon , geotechnical engineering , geology , environmental science , materials science , mathematics , thermodynamics , composite material , surface tension , physics , pure mathematics
Technical problems and soil profile characteristics may limit the applicability of the instantaneous profile method for field measurement of unsaturated hydraulic conductivities. A modified procedure for tensiometer installation and different methods for measuring moisture contents are discussed. Good agreement was found between moisture contents determined in situ with the neutron‐probe and those indirectly derived from moisture retention curves obtained from measurements of large core samples in a closed assembly. Sloping soils with slowly permeable horizons or with lateral water movement cannot be characterized adequately with this method. The use of the crust test procedure is recommended.