The- Relation of Particle Size to Available Moisture in Soils of Zubair

Abstract

The physical and chemical properties, and the effects of particle size distribution on available moisture were studied in four sandy soil profiles of the Zubair area in Iraq. The amount_of moisture liberated at successive soil water suction and the per cent available moisture were calculated on dry weight basis. It was found that the total per cent moisture and the- available moisture retained in each sand separate are functions of the soil water suction. In the soils studied, whether natural or uniform sand separates, most of the available moisture is retained at suctions less than 6-atmosphere and hence this value of soil water suction is proposed as a maximum value to estimate the available moisture in sandy soils.