Changes in the reserves of soil retention of arable lands in Central Sudety

Abstract

Changes in the reserves of soil retention of arable lands in Central Sudety The project presents research involving an analysis and evaluation of water supply of poorly permeable soils in drained arable lands. The analysis dealt with research conducted in 2003-2005 at similar meteorological conditions in an agricultural submountain catchment area situated in Central Sudety. In particular, the analysis concerned water and air properties of examined deposits with regard to their water-retention. The measurements of moisture density of soil profiles and calculated water supplies in layers 1-100 cm showed a cross-section of reserves of soil retention. This depended on the depth and lay of the land as well as drainage conditions. In the lower drainage area at the foot of the slope there was a notably higher level of groundwater than in other places on the slope. In areas where rainfall was the exclusive source of groundwater the measured water-supplies were lower than in multi-sourced drainage areas. The amount of measured supplies for the vegetation period spanning the whole research time was not lower than 70% of the field-water capacity.