41.6.1. Definition

Try these first

1. 1.

   What is hydraulic conductivity?

   Hint

   Think about how water travels through different soil types.

2. 2.

   Name a factor that can affect hydraulic conductivity.

   Hint

   What do you think changes water movement through soil?

3. 3.

   What is hydraulic conductivity?

   • The ability of soil to retain moisture
   • The rate of water flow through soil
   • The type of soil present

   Hint

   Focus on water movement, not moisture retention.

4. 4.

   True or False: Higher hydraulic conductivity means water moves slower through the soil.

   • True
   • False

   Hint

   Think about what the term 'conductivity' suggests.

5. 5.

   Given two soil samples, sandy soil (K = 10 cm/s) and clay soil (K = 0.1 cm/s), how would you design an irrigation system based on their hydraulic conductivities?

   Hint

   Consider the rate that water will move in each type of soil.

6. 6.

   Analyze how altering the moisture level in clay soil from saturation to field capacity may affect its hydraulic conductivity.

   Hint

   Think of how air and water interact in soil.