METHODS OF MEASURING SOIL MOISTURE TENSION

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Abstract
The soil moisture tensiometer, which consists of the combination of a porous cup and a vacuum gauge, or mercury manometer, can be used for measuring soil moisture tension values up to about 0.85 atmosphere. References are given for a number of papers dealing with the development and construction of tensiometers and reporting the experience of various workers with tensiometers under field conditions. References are also cited which relate to the use of porous clay and cellulose membrane apparatus for measuring the uptake and release of moisture by soils at various moisture tension values. Typical moisture retention curves for a number of soils are given at soil moisture tension values up to 100 atm. Methods for making moisture retention measurements at known soil moisture tension are reviewed, and the relation of such measurements to the field moisture properties of soils is briefly discussed.