Ion-exchange resin samplers for the in situ measurement of major cations in soilwater solute flux

Abstract

A novel solute-flux measuring technique has been developed and a limited but successful field study was carried out. The technique involves the emplacement of perspex columns containing ion-exchange resin into the soil to abstract the solute flux from soilwater flowing through the column. Column construction and emplacement procedures have been developed to minimise soilwater flow disturbance in and around soil-emplaced columns. Some disturbance must occur, however, the technique can be seen as a practical compromise which offers some improvement over conventional solute-flux measurement techniques. The technique, using linear arrays of columns, was used to compare solute fluxes at two positions on a hillslope segment, underlain by Millstone Grit in the Pennines. Using a random-position technique for emplacement, consistent fluxes between downslope positions were separated from random lateral fluxes within locations at the same slope position.