Moisture and temperature variation in layered soil profile

Abstract

A laboratory experiment was conducted in a clay soil in Saskatoon to study the effect of layering on soil seedbed moisture and temperature variations. The treatments were subjected to a diurnal temperature and relative humidity cycle for seven days. Four layering configurations along with 3 different gravimetric initial moisture contents were investigated. Temperature and moisture content were monitored at 15, 45, 75 and 135 mm depths. Preliminary results showed that layering did not affect temperature variation in the soil profile. Layering proved to be more effective in conserving moisture in lower initial moisture content treatments and in 30 to 60 mm depth.