Question

Why is hydraulic conductivity so variable? Please list at least 3 factors that contribute to the hydraulic conductivity of a surface and explain how each can affect conductivity.

Answer 1

Hydraulic conductivity is a variable phenomena because it changes with the composition of the soil or matter. Suppose an area saturated with fresh water will have low conductivity than an area saturated with saline water. That's why because of their compositional change it varies.

Factors that affecting hydraulic conductivity are,

1) Amount of clay concentration= the more the concentration the more the conductivity.

2) CEC value

3) pH and Eh value

4) Texture of the soil

5) Temperature of the soil

6) Saturation of the soil or the water content of the soil= fresh water will have low conductivity than marine water