41.6. Hydraulic Conductivity

Try these first

1. 1.

   What is hydraulic conductivity?

   Hint

   Think about how water flows in different soils.

2. 2.

   Name one factor that affects hydraulic conductivity.

   Hint

   Consider types of soil like sand or clay.

3. 3.

   What does hydraulic conductivity measure?

   • The rate at which water moves through soil
   • The amount of water retained in soil
   • The texture of soil

   Hint

   Focus on the flow of water in soil.

4. 4.

   True or False: Clay soils generally have higher hydraulic conductivity than sandy soils.

   • True
   • False

   Hint

   Think about the size of soil particles.

5. 5.

   Given a saturated clay soil with a hydraulic conductivity of 0.005 cm/s, compute the time required for 10 m³ of water to drain out through a cross-sectional area of 20 m².

   Hint

   Convert cm/s to m/s where necessary.

6. 6.

   A farmer applies water to a field knowing its sandy soil has a hydraulic conductivity of 0.2 m/day. How many days will it take for water to travel 1 meter down into the soil?

   Hint

   Think about speed and the distance you want to measure.