Study Of Soil Properties Research Articles

Mesquite (Prosopis glandulosa Torr.) dunes and interdunes in southern New Mexico: a study of soil properties and soil water relations

Soil properties and soil water relations were compared between soils of mesquite (Prosopis glandulosa Torr.) dunes and soils of adjacent interdune areas in southern New Mexico. Particle size, bulk density, organic matter content, electrical conductivity, pH, and temperature of dunal and interdunal soils were measured. Except for particle size and temperature, dunal and interdunal soils did not differ greatly. Soils of dunes had more sand and less silt and clay than did soils of interdunes. Soil temperatures were higher in interdunes than in vegetated dunes. Soil temperatures were similar in dunes with plant cover removed and in interdunes. Infiltration and runoff, hydraulic conductivity, and water retention measurements showed that although dune soils had greater infiltration and more rapid hydraulic conductivity, interdune soils retained more water above −1·5 MPa matric potential. Evaporative losses, as measured with atmometers 3 cm from the soil surfaces, were greater from interdunes than from vegetated dunes. Through two growing seasons, measured total soil water content at a depth of 30·5 cm was always greater for interdunes than for either vegetated or bare dunes. The dune soils stored water less efficiently than interdune soils and reached −1·5 MPa matric potential with much greater frequency.

Determination of Some Soil Properties for Vehicle Ride Simulation

ABSTRACT THIS paper suggests classification of existing approaches to the description of soil properties. The principal objectives of the tests described herein were to investigate appropriate testing techniques and to develop computer programs that use the semi-empirical method to describe soil properties. Results and analysis of a soil bin test using five types of shear apparatuses four boxes and a standard shear ring are described. Two plates under vertical loads were tested in an effort to defme the cohesive and frictional moduli and an exponent of soil deformation. The main conclusions are as follows: The angle of internal friction, cohesion, and the sinkage constants are best understood as interface parameters rather than as soil properties. These parameters are specific for the measuring device and the soil. They are valid, however, or may be considered valid for any vehicle tire or track having a configuration the same as or similar to the configuration of the measuring device. The study of soil properties should be continued to improve testing, to eliminate or reduce unwanted side effect, and to investigate the effect of the geometry of the appartus on the experimental values of shear and sinkage parameters. Computer programs have been developed to receive and analyze test results as soon as a test is completed.