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Moisture Retention by Soil with Coarse Layers in the Profile^{1, 2,}

ABSTRACT

The effects of coarse strata on the moisture retention characteristics of soil profiles were evaluated. A sandy loam soil was underlain at various depths by sand or gravel and the moisture status of the soil was observed for 2 months following a heavy irrigation.

The moisture retained by soil underlain by sand or gravel was much greater than in similar depths of a uniform soil. The moisture content of the soil above a layer increased as the layer was approached. The moisture content of the soil underlain by sand or gravel changed very little after the first few days following irrigation whereas in the uniform soil moisture moved downward throughout the observation period.

The moisture retention characteristics of the profiles were roughly estimated from laboratory measurements of unsaturated conductivities of the sand and gravel and from a moisture characteristic curve of the soil.

¹ Contribution from the Soil and Water Conservation Research Division, ARS, USDA, in cooperation with the Washington Agr. Exp. Sta., Pullman. Scientific Paper No. 2279.

² The authors are indebted to Dr. Walter H. Gardner, Washington State University, and Dr. Howard R. Haise, ARS, USDA, for their help in the initial planning of this study.

³ Research Soil Scientist and Agricultural Research Technician, USDA, Prosser, Wash.

Received for publication November 19, 1962. Accepted for publication February 2, 1963.