SPATIAL VARIABILITY OF ACTUAL SOIL MOISTURE, pH AND BULK SOIL ELECTRICAL CONDUCTIVITY WITHIN THE AREA OF THE FORMER OLESZEK MILL POND BASIN

摘要

The aim of this study was to evaluate the spatial variability of actual soil moisture (SMa), pH and bulk soil electrical conductivity (ECa) of soil surface horizons in the former Oleszek Mill Pond basin. Water mills are one of the first hydro-technological constructions in Poland. They appeared at the turn of the XI and XII centuries and became common in the XIII century. Construction and operation of water mills had influenced the transformation of the natural environment around them. Especially subject to transformations were the relief and water conditions. This research includes measurements of SMa, pH and ECa in soil surface horizons (0-30 cm). Actual soil moisture and bulk soil electrical conductivity were measured in situ using TDR Field Operated Meter - Easy Test FOM/mts and pH using CP-105 ELMETRON field pH-meter in 49 points located within the former mill pond basin. Differentiation of moisture, pH, and bulk soil electrical conductivity shows variability of the surface layer of the sediments accumulated in the former mill pond basin. On the other hand, the surface layer of the sediments does not show differences with regard to the division of the basin on the proximal, middle or distal part. The observed variability of spot-occurring extreme values is associated with the microrelief formed after the period of mill pond functioning (levees) or caused by local factors strongly modifying the surface of the biogenic plain within the basin, such as the seepages of water at the edge of the former water body.