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Water in soil moves from points where it has a relatively high energy status to points where its energy status is lower. Two factors determine the energy status of water at any given point in a non-saline soil. The first factor is the elevantioal position in the soil relative to a reference level. The higher an object is located above the reference level, the higher is its gravitational energy. This is true also of any given quantity of water in soil: the higher the water is located in the soil profile, the higher is its gravitational energy (g). Gravitational energy is expressed as the number of centimeters (or inches) above or below an arbitrarily chosen reference level.
The second factor determining the energy status of water is the water's pressure head (h) , as discussed in part 2. Pressure heads are negative in unsaturated soil where not all the pores are water-filled. Those that are water- filled act in a manner similar to capillaries and exert suction on water. On the other hand, pressure head can be positive, as occurs in the saturated zone below the surface of the water in soil (the "water table"). There, all or nearly all (allowing for some trapped air) pores are filled with water. Pressure head is equal to zero (h =0) at the water table. It becomes progressively higher (more positive) with increasing distance below the water table. Pressure head becomes progressively lower (more negative) with increasing distance above the water table.
The hydraulic head (H) at a given point in the soil is equal to the sum of the gravitational and pressure heads, at that point, as illustrated schematically in Figure 1 for selected conditions.
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ViviSoil properties like texture, structure, and organic matter content can affect water flow by influencing infiltration rates, water holding capacity, and drainage. For example, soils with high clay content can have lower infiltration rates and water holding capacity, leading to more surface runoff and potential erosion. Conversely, sandy soils with high permeability can have rapid water infiltration and drainage.
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What soil does water flow through the fastest?
Coarse soils like sand allow water to flow through the fastest due to their larger particle size and pore spaces. This allows water to move more freely through the soil compared to fine soils like clay or silt.
What is the effect of water temperature on the determination of specific gravity of soils?
Water temperature can affect the specific gravity of soils because it can impact the density of water. As the water temperature increases, its density decreases, which can lead to variations in the specific gravity readings of soils. It is important to account for the temperature of the water when determining the specific gravity of soils to ensure accurate results.
Does kinds of soil affect the flow of water in watersheds?
Yes, the type of soil in a watershed can greatly impact the flow of water. Soils with high porosity and permeability, like sandy soils, allow water to infiltrate and flow more easily, reducing surface runoff and potential erosion. In contrast, clay soils with low permeability may lead to more surface runoff and increased risk of flooding.
How can soils type effect surface water runoff?
Soil type can affect surface water runoff by influencing the rate of infiltration. Sandy soils allow water to infiltrate quickly, reducing runoff, while clayey soils can cause water to runoff more quickly due to lower infiltration rates. Compacted soils also increase runoff by limiting water penetration into the soil.
What is it called when water can pass through soil?
The ability of water to pass through soil is called permeability. Permeable soils allow water to move through them easily, while impermeable soils do not. This characteristic is important for understanding water flow and soil drainage.
