In situ Evaluation of Unsaturated Hydraulic Properties Using Subsurface Points

The primary information for accurately predicting water and solute movement and their impact on water quality is the characterization of soil hydraulic properties. This project was designed to develop methods for rapid and reliable estimates of unsaturated hydraulic properties of the soil. Particularly, in situ methodology is put forth, based on subsurface point sources. Devices were designed to allow introduction of water in subsurface settings at constant negative heads. The ability to operate at a negative head allows a direct method of finding unsaturated soil properties and a mechanism for eliminating extremely rapid preferential flow from the slow matrix flow. The project included field, laboratory and modeling components. By coupling the measurements and the modeling together, a wider range of designs can be examined, while at the same time realistic performance is assured. The developed methodology greatly expands the possibilities for evaluating hydraulic properties in place, especially for measurements in undisturbed soil within plant rooting zones. The objectives of the project were (i) To develop methods for obtaining rapid and reliable estimates of unsaturated hydraulic properties in situ, based on water distribution from subsurface point sources. These can be operated with a constant flow or at a constant head; (ii) To develop methods for distinguishing between matrix and preferential flow using cavities/permeameters under tension; (iii) To evaluate auxiliary measurements such as soil water content or tensions near the operating cavities to improve reliability of results; and (iv: To develop numerical and analytical models for obtaining soil hydraulic properties based on measurements from buried-cavity sources and the auxiliary measurements. The project began in July 1995 and was terminated in November 1998. All of the objectives were pursued. Three new subsurface point sources were designed and tested and two old types were also used. Two of the three new designs used a nylon cloth membrane (30 mm) arranged in a cylindrical geometry and operating at a negative water pressure (tension). A separate bladder arrangement allowed inflation under a positive pressure to maintain contact between the membrane and the soil cavity. The third new design used porous stainless steel (0.5 and 5 mm) arranged in six segments, each with its own water inlet, assembled to form a cylindrical supply surface when inflated in a borehole. The "old" types included an "off-the-shelf" porous cup as well as measurements from a subsurface drip emitter in a small subsurface cavity. Reasonable measurements were made with all systems. Sustained use of the cloth membrane devices were difficult because of leaks and plugging problems. All of the devices require careful consideration to assure contact with the soil system. Steady flow was established which simplified the analysis (except for the drip emitter which used a transient analysis).