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In-situ Studies of Water Transmission Properties of a Sandy Loam Soil of Old Himalayan Piedmont Plant

M.I. Khalil
Soil Science Division, Bangladesh Institute of Nuclear Agriculture P.O. Box-4, Mymensingh-2200.

M. Bodruzzaman
Scientific Officer (Soils), Wheat Research Centre, BARI, Dinajpur.

S.M. Rahman
Soil Science Division, Bangladesh Institute of Nuclear Agriculture P.O. Box-4, Mymensingh-2200

M.E. Haque
Soil Science Division, Bangladesh Institute of Nuclear Agriculture P.O. Box-4, Mymensingh-2200

Abstract/ Executive Summary:

Water transmission properties of a sandy loam soil of old Himalayan Piedmont Plain were determined in situ to develop appropriate soil and water management practices for sustained crop production. Results indicated that field capacity attained within 36 hours and soil water content dropped off rapidly immediately after saturation. Water retention capacity was comparatively higher in 15-90 cm soil profile in comparison to 0-15 and 90-120 cm depths. There were no considerable variations in total available water content due to different pressure potentials. Infiltration studies indicated faster entry of water initially which decreased considerably at a slower rate with time. The amount of soil water storage was higher in 15-90 cm soil profile and decreased considerably after 25 days of drainage. The downward flux of water increased with depth and decreased with time. The functional dependence of the hydraulic conductivity is an exponential one and showed a straight line relationship. The hydraulic conductivity increased with soil depth and decreased with the decrease of soil water content. An increased amount of water is required for the same hydraulic conductivity for the sub-surface layers.

Keywords: Water transmission, Loam soil, Sustained crop production

Location: Wheat Research Centre, Dinajpur representing Birgonj

Start Date: 00-00-1994

End Date: 00-00-1995

Program Area: Crop-Soil-Water Management

Commodity: Water management

Objectives:

To generate information on the water transmission properties of the soils in order to develop appropriate soil and water management practices for economic and higher crop production.

Methodology:

Studies were carried out during 1994-95 in the experimental farm of wheat Research Centre, Dinajpur representing Birgonj series under Agro-ecological zones of Old Himalayan Piedmont Plain. The general soil type is Non- Calcareous Brown Floodplain soil although the soil colour is grey in surface layers. The important physical properties of the study area were determined following standard laboratory and field methods by collecting representative soil samples up to a depth of 120 cm. Penetration resistance (PR) was measured by opening a pit in three locations using a pocket penetrometer (range = 0-4.5 kg cm^-2) up to 120 cm soil depth at an interval of 5 cm and the values were averaged for every 15 cm. Some physical properties of soils of the study area are presented. Undisturbed soil samples were collected in brass cores of 5 cm diameter and 5 cm height up to the depth of 120 cm using core sampler. Soil water contents at different matric suctions were determined in pressure plate apparatus as described. Available water content of the soil was estimated by subtracting the water contents at different pressure potentials of -10 and -1500 KPa, and -30 and -1500 KPa ranges. Field capacity of the soil was determined in-situ in a bare uniform plot of 4 m x 4m. The plot was filled with enough water to saturate the plot presumably to a depth of 120 cm completely and covered the plot with a polyethylene sheet to control evaporation immediately after all the water infiltrated into the soil. Before flooding, two aluminium access tubes were installed. Changes in soil water content at an initial interval of 6 hours up to 96 hours were measured using Neutron Moisture Meter (Troxler Model 3320), Then, the water content values were plotted in graph paper against time and the values reaching the stating of equlibrium were taken as point of the plateau called field capacity. Infiltration characteristics of the study area were measured using a double ring infiltrometer. The fall of water was measured by a point gauge up to 400 minutes at the intervals of 1, 2, 5, 10, 20 and 30 minutes. For the measurement, one fallow plot (bare field) of 10m x 10m in size was selected and two aluminum access tubes were installed up to 2 m soil depth. A series of mercury tensiometer having depths of 15,30,45,60, and 120 cm were also installed near the access tubes with a distance of 50 cm from the access tubes. The plot was irrigated enough to reach saturation up to the desired depth and covered thereafter with polyethylene sheet to check evaporation. Periodic measurements were made of soil water content and matric suction using neutron moisture meter and mercury tensiometer, respectively throughout the soil profile up to 25 days.

Source of Information: Bangladesh Journal of Nuclear Agriculture. Vol: 12, pp: 11-23, 1996

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Achievement/Findings:

In general, the soil of the study area is predominantly sandy loam in nature with medium field capacity level and high water intake capacity particularly immediately after saturation. The soil has moderately high drained characteristics and thereby number of frequency of irrigation should be high to increase the water use efficiency of crops. Additionally, highly mobile nutrients may be applied with several splits.

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