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The Effect of Soil Capillarity on Water Retention in Arid Environments

Organization(s):Hind Bint Almohlab
Country:Oman
Student(s):Mira Omar Al-Yhyai Fadwa Saif Mohammed Al-Issaei
Grade Level:Middle School (grades 6-8, ages 11-14)
GLOBE Member(s):Asma Abdallah Alalawi
Contributors:
Report Type(s):Virtual Science Symposium Report
Protocols:Conductivity, Dissolved Oxygen, pH, Salinity, Soil pH, Soil Temperature, Soil Moisture - Gravimetric
Presentation Poster: View Document
Language(s):English
Date Submitted:2026-01-29
Young  scientists practicing GLOBE protocols
This study aims to investigate the effect of soil capillarity on water retention in arid environments by examining the pore structure of different soil types, analyzing water-movement behavior through them, and evaluating their capacity to reduce water loss caused by evaporation or deep percolation. The research also seeks to explore the relationship between soil structure and capillary action, and its impact on improving irrigation efficiency and supporting sustainable agriculture in water-scarce regions. The study evaluates the potential of soils with enhanced capillary characteristics as a sustainable environmental solution for increasing water-retention capacity and mitigating the effects of drought, through addressing the following research questions: 1. What is the effect of soil capillarity on water movement and retention in arid environments? 2. How does soil pore structure contribute to improving water-retention efficiency and reducing water loss? 3. To what extent do variations in soil capillarity influence soil properties and plant growth under the same conditions? To answer the research questions, the study was conducted in two main stages, with a focus on examining the role of soil capillarity in water movement and retention under arid environmental conditions. First Stage, An interview was conducted with an agricultural engineer to gain insights into soils that exhibit a layered structure similar to layered soil . In addition, a field inspection was carried out at Wadi Al-Hilti Dam in the Wilayat of Sohar, where the geological and structural composition of the soil in the dam basin was examined. Particular attention was given to identifying clay blocks, sandy cracks, and pore spaces that enhance water movement through capillary action and improve the soil’s ability to retain moisture. Second Stage, The practical component of the study involved planting two groups of marigold seedlings. The first group was planted in a pot containing an engineered soil model designed to simulate a layered structure that enhances capillary water retention, while the second group was planted in conventional agricultural soil from the school garden. Both pots were subjected to the same environmental conditions in terms of irrigation and sunlight exposure, and plant growth was monitored for 42 days. Soil properties — including permeability, salinity, pH, electrical conductivity, and moisture — were measured periodically using GLOBE Program Protocols (Soil, Land Cover, and Water Protocols). The results demonstrated that the soil with enhanced capillary structure — similar to layered soil — exhibited a higher capacity for water retention and required less frequent irrigation compared to conventional soil. It also showed greater efficiency in reducing salinity buildup and improving root aeration and water distribution across sandy layers, which contributed to improved plant growth and better resilience under arid environmental conditions.



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