SOIL-WATER MOVEMENT IN RELATION TO MEASURED PHYSICAL PROPERTIES.
Abstract
A parameter for the description of water transport in the presence of temperature gradients using diffusion theory or irreversible thermodynamics is the isothermal soil-water diffusivity. A laboratory method was developed for calculating isothermal soil-water diffusivity values for soils at 5 to 15 volume percent water. Diffusivity values were obtained easily and compared favorably with those of previous investigators. The redistribution of soil water within columns of Columbia fine sandy loam in response to imposed temperature gradients was analyzed. Transient water content distributions were monitored with gamma-radiation attenuation while those of soil temperature were recorded with the aid of thermistors. Values of net water flux were examined in light of Fick's law, a diffusion theory proposed by Philip and de Vries, and an irreversible thermodynamic theory used by Taylor and Cary. Fick's law consistently underpredicted the observed water fluxes while the Philip-de Vries theory yielded acceptable values. Predictions of water flux based upon the Taylor-Cary theory were not acceptable by an order of magnitude. An intensive field investigation was conducted to measure and predict the soil temperature behavior during and following infiltration. A simplified mathematical model was used to predict temperature changes from the soil surface to a depth of 2 meters. (Author)
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jul 01, 1968
- Accession Number
- AD0688177
Entities
People
- Donald R. Nielsen
Organizations
- University of California, Davis