Review Paper: Challenges and Limitations in Studying the Shrink-Swell and Crack Dynamics of Vertisol Soils

The need to study the shrink-swell and crack properties of vertic soils has long been recognized given their dynamics in time and space, which modifies the physical properties that impact water and air movement in the soil, flow of water into the subsoil and ground water, and generally alter the hydrology of vertic soils. Measurement of crack properties has been made by numerous researchers with the purpose to understand and quantify the spatial and temporal dynamics of shrinking and swelling and the associated formation of cracks. These crack properties, which are important in modifying hydrology of soils are: width, length, depth and orientation of soil's cracks. To better understand the hydrology of vertic soils and incorporate crack properties into hydrologic simulation models, several techniques have been developed to measure crack properties. However, little attention is given to evaluate both the advantages and the limitations associated with these techniques. Thus, the purpose of this review is to highlight challenges and limitations that have been used or might be used to measure cracking in vertic soils.