PHYSICAL FACTORS AFFECTING OPERATION OF THE OXYGEN CATHODE IN UNSATURATED POROUS MEDIA

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Abstract
Possible mechanisms controlling the rate of reduction of oxygen at a bare platinum electrode inserted in unsaturated soils are discussed. It is postulated that electrical migration of hydroxyl ions from the electrode is the rate controlling factor rather than the rate of diffusion of oxygen to the electrode. Although the possible role of reaction rate in cntrolling the current is also considered, it is concluded that for soil moisture contents at which aeration may limit plant growth, this factor is not the controlling one. The effect of variation of electrical resistance of the soil on current measured is discussed and it is shown that the method may have some value in evaluation of soil aeration if current is determined at constant effective voltage rather than at constant applied voltage.

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