Effect of the use of liming solutions on the hydraulic conductivity and chemical properties of soil

The effect of Ca(OH)(2), CaCO3, CaSO4, Liming solutions on the hydrodynamic conditions of a low-permeability soil was examined. Tests were carried out under laboratory conditions by reproducing columns of weathered soil from the horizon with the lowest hydraulic conductivity (K). The treatment solut ions were applied as continuous irrigation with a constant hydraulic charge for 16 days, collecting the effluents twice a day. The evolution of the hy draulic conductivity in saturation conditions (K-sat) was recorded. The rel ative hydraulic conductivity (K-r) was defined as the ratio of K-sat averag e value calculated for each period of time (12 h) to its average value calc ulated after the first stage (12 h) of percolation. The increase in relative hydraulic conductivity (K-r) of each soil sample w as found to be directly related to the increase in calcium concentration ar ising from the applied solution. Based on the results, slaked lime is the m ost efficient amendment among those studied, thus improving the hydraulic c onductivity (K-r) and reducing the adverse effects of acidity on this type of soil.