CS(AR)-15/2000-2001 : Estimation of Hydrological properties of soil in Lokapavani area of KR Sagar command in Mandya District, Karnataka

Abstract

This study deals with the estimation of hydrological soil properties of the area of Lokapavani River in KR Sagar Command, District of Mandya, Karnataka. The soil properties, determined are soil texture, porosity, saturated hydraulic conductivity using ICW Permeameter (for laboratory measurement), specific gravity and soil moisture characteristics.

Eighteen locations have been selected in the study area in such a manner that whole study area is covered. The disturbed and undisturbed soil samples from 18 locations along different depths, were collected and analysed in the Soil & Groundwater Laboratory of the Institute. Disturbed soil samples were used to determine the grain size distribution, porosity, specific gravity and soil moisture characteristic curves. Undisturbed soil samples were used with ICW Permeameter to determine saturated hydraulic conductivity. The results of the grain size distribution, porosity. specific gravity and soil moisture characteristic curves are presented in graphical and tabular forms. The textural analysis of the soil shows that there are two types of soil on the surface.

For sandy loam soil values of hydrological properties are as follows: saturated hydraulic conductivity, 0.251 (cm/hr); porosity, 0.506; Field capacity, 17.17 %; and wilting point, 10.15% where as for loamy sand these are saturated hydraulic conductivity, 0.748 (cm/hr); porosity, 0.466 Field capacity, 11 %; and wilting point, 5.8 %