Physical and water properties of arable soils located in the area of a predicted depression cone of “Tomisławice” lignite open-cast mine (central Poland)

Abstract

In this paper we presents the characteristics of selected physical and water properties of four arable soils situated within the range of the predicted depression cone of “Tomislawice” lignite open-cast mine. In the sampled soil material of undisturbed and disturbed structure following properties were determined: texture, particle density, bulk density, total porosity, hygroscopic moistures, maximal hygroscopic capacity, saturated hydraulic conductivity, potentials of water bonding in soil, total and readily available waters, total retention in the soil layers of 0-50 and 0-100 cm, drainage porosity and content of organic matter. Study soils were developed from sands, sandy loams and sapric peat material. All of the analyzed soil properties were determined by clay fraction or organic matter content in particular. In the most of the investigated soils high field water capacity and wide scopes of total and readily available water were recorded. Measured saturated hydraulic conductivity was typical for arable soils with similar origin. Study soils showed a precipitation water regime and probably won’t be exposed to drainage degradation caused by open-cast mine.