Measuring unsaturated hydraulic conductivity (K( psi _m)) of the F and H soil organic layers at small matric potential ( psi _m).

摘要

K( psi _m) of the soil organic layers is a key parameter to assess water redistribution in cold-climate forests. This study tested the twin suction disc apparatus (TSD) as a new method to measure K( psi _m) of the F and H layers directly. We compared the results to two studies. One represents a large data base, the other used similar sample locations; but both derived K( psi _m) from combining two methods, i.e., pressure plate measurements combined with the instantaneous profile technique or the constant head approach. The TSD data are consistent with previous results considering the large variability in K( psi _m) from the combined methods. This suggests that the TSD method represents an alternative to determine K( psi _m) of the soil organic layer.Digital Object Identifier http://dx.doi.org/10.4141/cjss2011-035