LO 3.4 - Hydraulic conductivity
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Question What is Hydraulic Conductivity? Soil Water
Hydraulic conductivity refers to the ease with which water can move through pore spaces. Soil Water
Question How is Hydraulic Conductivity measured? Soil Water
Hydraulic conductivity is measured in mm/hour or cm/hour. Soil Water
Question Hydraulic conductivity depends on which three factors? Soil Water
Hydraulic conductivity depends on: * Pore size * Distribution, how well the pores are connected together * The amount of water in the soil. * Soil Water
Question What is the affect on Hydraulic conductivity if the soil has a lot of micropores containing air? Soil Water
If the soil has a lot of micropores containing air, water will move slowly so the hydraulic conductivity will be low. Soil Water
Question What is the affect on Hydraulic conductivity if the soil has a lot of macropores containing water? Soil Water
• If there are a lot of macropres containing water, the water will move more quickly so hydraulic conductivity will be higher. • Sandy soils have a higher hydraulic conductivity than clay soils. Soil Water
Question What effect has Compaction got on Hydraulic conductivity? Soil Water
• By destroying the macropores, compaction reduces hydraulic conductivity. • If hydraulic conductivity is too low, soils become prone to waterlogging. This has a negative effect on root growth and also prevents the normal functioning of soil organisms including earthworms. Soil Water