Interpreting Tension-infiltrometer Data for Quantifying Soil Macropores: Some Practical Considerations
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Since 1905, the Department of Agricultural Engineering, now the Department of Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering (ABE), has been a leader in providing engineering solutions to agricultural problems in the United States and the world. The department’s original mission was to mechanize agriculture. That mission has evolved to encompass a global view of the entire food production system–the wise management of natural resources in the production, processing, storage, handling, and use of food fiber and other biological products.
History
In 1905 Agricultural Engineering was recognized as a subdivision of the Department of Agronomy, and in 1907 it was recognized as a unique department. It was renamed the Department of Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering in 1990. The department merged with the Department of Industrial Education and Technology in 2004.
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1905–present
Historical Names
- Department of Agricultural Engineering (1907–1990)
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- College of Agriculture and Life Sciences (parent college)
- College of Engineering (parent college)
- Department of Industrial Education and Technology, (merged, 2004)
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Abstract
A tension-infiltrometer offers a practical means for obtaining information on soil infiltration characteristics at low soil moisture tensions in the field. This study examines interpretation of tension-infiltrometer results. Saturated hydraulic conductivities (Ks) calculated from unconfined tension-infiltrometer measurements were not statistically different from conductivity measurements made with a velocity-head permeameter. Ks values determined with the tension-infiltrometer were greater than conductivities measured with a Guelph permeameter. Tension-infiltrometer measurements of infiltration made through a 20-mm layer of sand were an order of magnitude less than ponded infiltration measurements at the same location. Increases in antecedent soil moisture decreased infiltration values, but parameters for equations fitted to the hydraulic conductivity versus tension curve were similar. Unconfined infiltration rates when adjusted to give vertical conductivity did not change appreciably the values of parameters fitted to a hydraulic conductivity versus soil moisture tension curve.
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This article was published in Transactions of the ASAE 36(2): 423–428, doi:10.13031/2013.28354. Posted with permission.