Field percolation rates of four Wisconsin soils having different drainage characteristics

Nelson, L.B.; Muckenhirn, R.J.

Field percolation rates of four Wisconsin soils having different drainage characteristics

1941

Nelson, L.B. | Muckenhirn, R.J.

Field percolation rates were determined on undisturbed soil profiles of two poorly-drained and two well-drained Wisconsin soils by means of a buffer compartment method. In addition, laboratory percolation rates, volume weights, total porosities, and maximum water-holding capacities were determined on soil cores taken from the different horizons and substrata of each of the four soils. The buffer compartment method was found to give good measurement of the field percolation rate of the soil and is believed to possess several advantages over the steel cylinder method which is commonly used in infiltration determinations. The lateral movement of water is diminished by means of buffer compartments, the soil structure is undisturbed, and the apparatus is simple, inexpensive, and very easily installed. The poorly drained Spencer silt loam and Superior clay loam had field percolation rates of 0.04 inch per hour or less. Percolation through the laboratory cores showed the B2 horizons and substrata to be practically impermeable to water movement. The impervious subsoils had relatively high volume weights, low total porosities, and low water-holding capacities. The well-drained Marathon silt loam had a field percolation rate of 0.3 inch per hour. while that of the Miami silt loam was 0.5 inch per hour. The laboratory percolation rates of the subsoils and substrata were over 0.4 inch per hour. In general, the subsoils of these well-drained soils had lower volume weights. higher total porosities, and higher water-holding capacities than did the poorly drained soils. The results of this study correlate well with the characteristics of the soil profiles and explain to a large extent, the differences in cropping and drainage conditions found on these soils.

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