Modified sessile drop method for assessing initial soil–water contact angle of sandy soil

• DOI: 10.2136/sssaj2000.642564x
• Publication Date: 2010-07-27T22:42:41Z
• Authors: J. Bachmann; R. Horton; R. R. van der Ploeg; S. Woche
• Keywords: Penetration (warfare); Soil test; Goniometer

Existing methods for determining the soil–water contact angle as a measure of water repellency are either indirect, cumbersome, or time‐consuming. Our objective was to develop method that is simpler than existing procedures and still yields accurate results. The proposed represents modified sessile drop measuring initial powdered granular material. measurements made by placing layer uniform soil particles onto adhesive tape, adding droplets deionized water, reading off at three‐phase boundary line with goniometer‐fitted microscope immediately after drops on sample. Sieved fractions <63 μm, 63 100 200 μm were used ensure particle uniformity. tested 10 samples from different depths sandy profile. angles measured these compared penetration time (WDPT) test capillary‐rise method. reasonably well those their rank order agreed in general WDPT test. We conclude new appears be promising simple, rapid, reproducible determination soils. can wider range conditions