HOME HELP FEEDBACK SUBSCRIPTIONS ARCHIVE SEARCH TABLE OF CONTENTS		QUICK SEARCH:   [advanced] Author: Keyword(s): Year:  Vol:  Page:

This Article Full Text (PDF) Alert me when this article is cited Alert me if a correction is posted Services Similar articles in this journal Alert me to new issues of the journal Download to citation manager Citing Articles Citing Articles via Google Scholar Google Scholar Articles by Raats, P. A. C. Search for Related Content PubMed Articles by Raats, P. A. C. Agricola Articles by Raats, P. A. C.

Propagation of Sinusoidal Solute Density Oscillations in the Mobile and Stagnant Phases of a Soil¹

ABSTRACT

In order to account for the structure of a soil, a solute may be considered to be divided between a mobile phase and a stagnant phase. The mobile phase may correspond to the solution in a system of large pores and is assumed to move at a uniform, constant velocity in a certain direction. The stagnant phase may correspond to the solution in a system of small pores. The distribution and exchange of solute between the mobile and stagnant phases is assumed to be described by the ratio of the capacities of the two phases to store solute and a finite response time. The propagation of a sinusoidal solute density oscillation is analyzed in terms of its absorption coefficient, phase shift factor, and speed. The model shows clearly that the solute tends to bypass the stagnant phase. The results suggest several methods for measuring the parameters describing the interaction between the soil and the solute, and are of interest with regard to leaching of fertilizers and organic chemicals applied at the soil surface.

¹ Contribution from the North Central Region, ARS, USDA, and the Dep. of Soil Science, Univ. of Wisconsin, Madison, Wis. 53706.

² Soil Scientist and Associate Professor.

Received for publication March 23, 1973. Accepted for publication May 24, 1973.