Abstract
Simulation of field conditions is important when conducting solute movement research in the greenhouse. A study was initiated to develop and test a solute movement system with intact turf‐soil columns subjected to suction approximating field capacity and typical irrigations. Intact soil columns from a Sharpsburg soil (fine montmorillonitic, mesic Typic Argiudoll) planted to Kentucky bluegrass (Poa pratensis L.) were encased in concrete, excavated, and brought to the greenhouse. Porous ceramic plates were attached to some column bottoms and suction (50 kPa) was applied to simulate soil water matric potentials at field water capacity and eliminate perched water tables. Under 2.5‐cm irrigations, evapotranspiration (ET) was 15% greater (P = 0.09) from columns without suction than from columns with suction. Drainage was 460% greater (P = 0.08) from columns under suction receiving 2.5‐cm irrigation. Volume of drainage water and total bromide collected was significantly greater (P = 0.01 and 0.02) from columns under suction receiving 5.0‐cm irrigations than from columns receiving 2.5‐cm irrigations. Averaged bromide concentrations in the drainage did not differ among treatments. Water and solute movement may be underestimated in greenhouse studies using containers without suction plates to eliminate perched water tables.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
