Multimedial Study Guide of Field Hydropedological Measurements

Abstract

Soil hydropedological data measured in situ provide an essential base for basic and also applied research in hydrological, water management, landscape and environmental disciplines. Quality of the measured data is a critical value determining the quality of results and derived conclusions. The knowledge and practical experience of the technician performing the measurements is presenting the "human factor", which affects the quality of measured data most. The Multimedial Study Guide of Field Hydropedological Measurements (further referred to as “the Guide”) was created to present and explain selected field measurements determining soil physical and hydro-physical properties in a comprehensive, didactical and user-friendly way. The following topics are introduced: i) Soil sampling (disturbed and undisturbed soil samples), ii) Soil moisture content measurement using indirect non-destructive methods, iii) Determination of tensiometric soil water potential, iv) Measurement of saturated soil hydraulic conductivity in-situ with available groundwater level in measured layer and without available groundwater level in measured layer, v) Measurement of unsaturated soil hydraulic conductivity, and vi) Basic presentation of lysimetry. The Guide was for students, and also for academic workers and other interested members of the public. The English version enables everyone to use these guidelines and carry out each particular measurement, as well as evaluate and present the measured data correctly. The students of the Czech University of Life Sciences Prague use this Guide as a regular learning material in subjects dealing with soil and water relationship since 2012. Now, the 2nd revised edition is presented. The Guide is available on the internet (http://hydropedologie.agrobiologie.cz) and DVD (on request).