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Hardpan Formation as Affected by Soil Moisture Loss¹

ABSTRACT

A hypothesis based on laboratory investigations is proposed to explain hardpan conditions which occur in cultivated and virgin soils in the Lower Rio Grande Valley. Hardpan formation, as influenced by various soil and moisture treatments, was evaluated. The hardpans produced in the laboratory were not of the intensity of field hardpans but were characteristically similar to those found in the field. The penetrometer was particularly adapted for evaluating the influence of laboratory treatments on hardpan formation. Moisture loss by evaporation, after surface drying, appears to be an important factor in formation of hardpans. Laboratory findings indicate that tillage practices influence the rate of moisture loss which influences the depth and intensity of hardpan formation in certain soils.

¹ Contribution of the Texas Agr. Exp. Sta., Substation No. 15, Weslaco. Presented before Div. I and VI, Soil Science of America, Dec. 5, 1960, at Chicago, Ill.

² Associate Soil Physicist, Substation No. 15, Weslaco, Tex.; Professor, Department of Agronomy, College Station, Tex.; Associate Agronomist and Superintendent, Substation No. 15, Weslaco, Tex., respectively.

Received for publication January 9, 1961. Accepted for publication April 3, 1961.