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 solutions were applied as continuous irrigation with a constant hydraulic charge for 16 days, collecting the effluents twice a day. The evolution of the hydraulic conductivity in saturation conditions (K-sat) was recorded. The relative hydraulic conductivity (K-r) was defined as the ratio of K-sat average value calculated for each period of time (12 h) to its average value calculated after the first stage (12 h) of percolation. The increase in relative hydraulic conductivity (K-r) of each soil sample was found to be directly related to the increase in calcium concentration arising from the applied solution. Based on the results, slaked lime is the most efficient amendment among those studied, thus improving the hydraulic conductivity (K-r) and reducing the adverse effects of acidity on this type of soil.