Soil Physics : An Introduction

Introduction to Soil PhysicsImportance of Soil PhysicsInteractions of Soil Physics with Other DisciplinesSoil Physics, Soil and Environmental Quality, and Quality of LifeSoil Physics and Climate ChangeSoil Physics CurriculumProblemsReferencesUnits and DimensionsIntroductionDefinitions of Unit and DimensionSystems of UnitsNondimensional QuantitiesDeriving Units of Physical QuantitiesUse of Units and DimensionsUnit ConversionsProblemsReferencesCharacteristics of Soils of the Vadose ZoneIntroductionSoil FormationSoil ProfileSoil TextureSoil SeparatesMethods for Particle Size MeasurementParticle S. Read more... Abstract: Introduction to Soil PhysicsImportance of Soil PhysicsInteractions of Soil Physics with Other DisciplinesSoil Physics, Soil and Environmental Quality, and Quality of LifeSoil Physics and Climate ChangeSoil Physics CurriculumProblemsReferencesUnits and DimensionsIntroductionDefinitions of Unit and DimensionSystems of UnitsNondimensional QuantitiesDeriving Units of Physical QuantitiesUse of Units and DimensionsUnit ConversionsProblemsReferencesCharacteristics of Soils of the Vadose ZoneIntroductionSoil FormationSoil ProfileSoil TextureSoil SeparatesMethods for Particle Size MeasurementParticle S Content: Preface Author 1. Introduction to Soil Physics 1.1 Importance of Soil Physics 1.2 Interactions of Soil Physics with Other Disciplines 1.3 Soil Physics, Soil and Environmental Quality, and Qualityof Life 1.4 Soil Physics and Climate Change 1.5 Soil Physics Curriculum Problems References 2. Units and Dimensions 2.1 Introduction 2.2 Definitions of Unit and Dimension 2.3 Systems of Units 2.4 Nondimensional Quantities 2.5 Deriving Units of Physical Quantities 2.6 Use of Units and Dimensions 2.7 Unit Conversions Problems References 3. Characteristics of Soils of the Vadose Zone3.1 Introduction 3.2 Soil Formation 3.3 Soil Profile 3.4 Soil Texture 3.5 Soil Separates 3.6 Methods for Particle Size Measurement 3.7 Particle Shapes 3.8 Properties of Clay Particles 3.9 Physical Properties of Soil 3.10 Soil Structure Problems References 4. Sampling Concepts and Designs 4.1 Introduction 4.2 Representative Elementary Volume 4.3 Sample Size 4.4 Sampling Designs 4.5 Practical Aspects of Soil Sampling Problems References 5. Spatial Variability of Vadose Zone Properties 5.1 Introduction 5.2 Sources of Variability 5.3 Scale of Variability5.4 Statistical Evaluations 5.5 Influence of Sample Support 5.6 Influence of Measurement Device 5.7 Influence of Land Use 5.8 Statistical Analysis 5.9 Geostatistical Analysis 5.10 Semivariogram Functions Problems References 6. Fundamentals of Hydrology 6.1 Introduction 6.2 Hydrologic Cycle 6.3 Components of the Hydrologic Cycle 6.4 Water Balance 6.5 Rainfall Runoff Relationships References 7. Properties of Water 7.1 Introduction 7.2 Properties of Water 7.3 Forces on Water Molecules 7.4 Contact Angle 7.5 Capillarity 7.6 Empirical Approach 7.7 Importance of CapillarityProblems References 8. Water in the Vadose Zone 8.1 Introduction 8.2 Soil Water Content 8.3 Soil Water Content Measurement Methods 8.4 Direct Methods 8.5 Indirect Methods 8.6 Energy State of Soil Water 8.7 Definitions and Components of Soil Water Potential 8.8 Soil Water Potential Measurement Devices 8.9 Total Soil Water Potential under Different Conditions 8.10 Soil Water Retention Curve 8.11 Soil Water Retention Models 8.12 Hysteresis Phenomenon Problems References 9. Flow through the Vadose Zone 9.1 Introduction 9.2 Laws Governing Flow through Saturated Porous Media9.3 Saturated Hydraulic Conductivity 9.4 Permeability 9.5 Laws Governing Flow through Unsaturated Porous Media 9.6 Unsaturated Hydraulic Conductivity Measurement 9.7 Soil Water Diffusivity Measurement 9.8 Flow through Layered System 9.9 Models for Simulating Flow through Soil System References 10. Water Infiltration into the Vadose Zone 10.1 Introduction 10.2 Process of Infiltration 10.3 Measurement of Infiltration 10.4 Factors Affecting Infiltration Rate 10.5 Infiltration Models 10.6 Water Redistribution Problems Designed for undergraduate and graduate students, this book covers important soil physical properties, critical physical processes involving energy and mass transport, movement and retention of water and solutes through soil profile, soil temperature regimes and aeration, and plant-water relations. It includes new concepts and numerical examples for an in depth understanding of these principles. The book provides readers with clear coverage of how and why water and solute flow through the soil and details how various factors influence the flow. It includes guidance on the use of the existing public domain computer models. --Amazon.com