Spatial variability of hydrophysical properties of fallow sandy soils

Spatial heterogeneity of soil hydrophysical properties was estimated in 2 fallow sandy soils at Csólyospálos and Örbottyán, Hungary. Significant differences in small particle (= silt + clay) content (5.0% vs. 13.7%), organic matter content (1.62% vs. 0.91%), and CaCO 3 content (3.1% vs. 5.1%) measured at Csólyospálos and Örbottyán, respectively, resulted in a higher persistence of water repellency in the Csólyospálos soil. It also resulted in a significantly higher water sorptivity and hydraulic conductivity of the Örbottyán soil. The spatial heterogeneity of soil hydrophysical properties was significant reaching 3 orders of magnitude differences due to the variances of soil properties. The water repellency cessation time was inversely related to the hydraulic conductivity and water sorptivity at Csólyospálos site.