Moisture profiles in swelling soils

Abstract

In situ moisture profiles are examined, in two soils of clay texture and in a loam, for the condition of equilibrium about a water table. In addition, moisture profiles during periods of approximately steady upward flow are examined in one of the soils of clay texture. Equilibrium moisture profiles in the clay soils are typical of the 'hydric' profiles which have been predicted for swelling materials. Upward water movement occurs against the moisture gradient. The equilibrium profile in the loam is typical of those observed for non-swelling materials.