SOIL-WATER SATURATION - DIELECTRIC DETERMINATION

Dielectric measurements of moist soils are used to determine water saturations. The degree of saturation of water is determined using a mixing law for the composite structure (soil, water, and air) which is verified experimentally. For the lower water saturation range ( less than 60%), a particularly simple form for the relationship between fractional water content THETA and measured dielectric constant can be formulated. In particular, for sandy soils at 23 degree C, the fractional water content is given by THETA equals 0. 128( epsilon //c)** one-half minus 0. 204.