Transfer of moisture through the unsaturated zone in the tropical forest using the neutron probe
Knowledge of moisture content is crucial in assessing spatial and temporal movement of water through the unsaturated zone. Moisture storage is also important for monitoring the soil water balance and for validation of water balance models. The purpose of this work was to determine and analyse moistu...
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Veröffentlicht in: | International journal of environmental science and technology (Tehran) 2009, Vol.6 (3), p.379-388 |
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Sprache: | eng |
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Zusammenfassung: | Knowledge of moisture content is crucial in assessing spatial and
temporal movement of water through the unsaturated zone. Moisture
storage is also important for monitoring the soil water balance and for
validation of water balance models. The purpose of this work was to
determine and analyse moisture content profiles at point locations in
the unsaturated zone of a lateritic soil around Nsimi, south of
Cameroon. Neutron probe has been connected to a set of tensiometers in
an area of 60 ha. A comparative study between a site covered with
vegetation and a site uncovered was conducted to assess the influence
of vegetation in the process of moisture transfers. The results showed
that the spatial distribution of moisture profiles varied according to
the site and the texture of the soil, with in general increasing of
moisture from the surface horizon toward the deeper layers. The mean
values of moisture varied from θm= 0,397 cm3/cm3 on barren site,
against θm= 0,429 cm3/cm3 in vegetation. Values of suction were
generally strong in surface and at depth, but weak in the intermediate
layers. |
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ISSN: | 1735-1472 1735-2630 |
DOI: | 10.1007/BF03326076 |