Dependence of Heavy Soil Transport Function on Soil Profile Depth

Abstract

Dependence of Heavy Soil Transport Function on Soil Profile DepthThe aim of this work was to quantify the effect of soil profile depth on the transport function of heavy soils. Treatments were carried out between 2006 and 2009 in Milhostov. Two variants were examined : the (conventional soil tillage and long-time no-tilled variant). Soil samples were taken in spring and autumn from soil profile depth of 0.00-0.60 m from each 0.10 m. For further evaluation the average values were used. Particle size composition, bulk density, total porosity and maximum capillary capacity were determined. Content of clay particles in soil profile was in interval 59.64-68.53% and such soils are characterised in the range from clay-loamy soil to clayey soil. The bulk density increased with the depth of soil profile and its values reached 1 184-1 646 kg m-3. The total porosity was in range 37.68-55.17% and it decreased with the depth of soil profile. The values of maximum capillary capacity were characterised for heavy soils with high content of clay particles. The depth had statistically significant effect on all observed parameters. In average, on both variants the bulk density was higher than 1 400 kg m-3, the total porosity was lower than 47% and the content of clay was higher than 30%, pointing to the possibility of soil compaction, which will result in reduced transport function of heavy soils.