Moisture retention characteristics of alluvial soils of Kerala

Abstract

An investigation on the moisture retention characteristics of alluvial soils of Kerala was carried out in the College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara, during 1982-'83, using soil samples collected from different parts of the state. Moisture retention was measured at six tensions and a prediction model was developed for moisture characterisation. More than 70 per cent of the available water was found to be removed at a tension of 3 bars. The moisture contents of different tensions were correlated to the contents of organic carbon and textural components. Organic carbon content showed no significant correlation with moisture retention. The textural components were apparently the determining factors for moisture retention as indicated by the significant positive correlation with the fine fractions (clay and silt) and significant negative correlation with the coarse fractions {fine sand and coarse sand). Multiple regression equations were developed to predict the available water content and moisture contents at 0.3 and 15 bar suctions from the contents of organic matter and textural components.