Experimental characterization of the impact of temperature and humidity on the breakdown of soil water repellency in sandy soils and composts

摘要: Soil water repellency is a widespread phenomenon with the capacity to alter hydrological and geomorphological processes. Water decays time, consequences are only of concern during timescale at which persists. This study aimed characterize influence temperature humidity on breakdown repellency. Apparent contact angle measurements were carried out samples consisting sand treated stearic acid as well naturally repellent dune sands composts. Temperature controlled using cooled incubator purpose designed enclosed box in could be raised or lowered. Results showed stearic-acid-treated decayed time that there was significant increase concentration. For all samples, decay apparent described continuous model. The relative 10 20 °C. These differences diminished increasing temperature. Similar results seen for Despite angles, no change rate any sample. Absolute found provide more relevant indicator than when assessing over range temperatures. initially increased absolute before plateauing owing confounding effect Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.