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SOWACS: Granular matrix rewetting in clay




Mike Schulz writes to the sowacs list:
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greetings,
As pore size has a major impact on soil moisture movement i have a query
regarding whether granular matrix resistance blocks could potentially have
problems rewetting in clay soils.
Its apparent that gypsum blocks have very fine pores as they loose little
water before ~60kPa, ie. they don't work in this range.  Granular matrix
sensors are therefore made of coarser material in order to allow them to
function in the >10kPa range.  That is they have larger pores.
In a clay soil that has been rewet after drying to say 250kPa, can water
move from the wet but not saturated clay into the dry but larger pored
matrix of the granular matrix block.
If the soil around the block is saturated at each irrigation or rain
rewetting should proceed rapidly.  My query is what happens when the block
is positioned on the edge of say a dripper wetted ball and the soil texture
is finer than that in the block.
Comments on your experiences would be appreciated.

Regards

Mike Schulz
Serve-Ag, Victoria.

PO Box 615, Mooroopna, Vic, 3629.
Tel:    (03) 5825 4783
Mobile:  0408 395 076

Serve-Ag provides a range of services to the agricultural and environmental
communities.
For additional information consult our website (www.serve-ag.com.au), call
me or, call our head office (03 6427 0800)

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