Soils that are exposed to prolonged drought often develop desiccation cracks, which impact soil properties and exacerbate moisture loss through evapotranspiration. A new study from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign examines the evolution of soil cracking and how cracks interact with storage and movement of water in the soil. The findings can help improve hydrological models essential for water management.
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Cracks in soil impact evaporation
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Desiccation cracks impact soil properties and exacerbate moisture loss through evapotranspiration in a cornfield.
A lysimeter contains a soil sample.
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