Rapid measurement of field-saturated hydraulic conductivity for areal characterization
Links
- More information: Publisher Index Page (via DOI)
- Download citation as: RIS | Dublin Core
Abstract
To provide an improved methodology for characterizing the field‐saturated hydraulic conductivity (Kfs) over broad areas with extreme spatial variability and ordinary limitations of time and resources, we developed and tested a simplified apparatus and procedure, correcting mathematically for the major deficiencies of the simplified implementation. The methodology includes use of a portable, falling‐head, small‐diameter (∼20 cm) single‐ring infiltrometer and an analytical formula for Kfs that compensates both for nonconstant falling head and for the subsurface radial spreading that unavoidably occurs with small ring size. We applied this method to alluvial fan deposits varying in degree of pedogenic maturity in the arid Mojave National Preserve, California. The measurements are consistent with a more rigorous and time‐consuming Kfs measurement method, produce the expected systematic trends in Kfs when compared among soils of contrasting degrees of pedogenic development, and relate in expected ways to results of widely accepted methods.
| Publication type | Article |
|---|---|
| Publication Subtype | Journal Article |
| Title | Rapid measurement of field-saturated hydraulic conductivity for areal characterization |
| Series title | Vadose Zone Journal |
| DOI | 10.2136/vzj2007.0159 |
| Volume | 8 |
| Issue | 1 |
| Year Published | 2009 |
| Language | English |
| Publisher | Soil Science Society of America |
| Contributing office(s) | Geology, Minerals, Energy, and Geophysics Science Center |
| Description | 8 p. |
| First page | 142 |
| Last page | 149 |
| Google Analytic Metrics | Metrics page |