Rust on iron rods indocates depthg of soil water tables

Abstract

Preliminary findings indicate that average soil water levels during wet seasons can be measured by inserting clean iron rods (mild steel) in the soil and measuring the depth of rust on the rods after 8 to 16 weeks. Iron rods rust rapidly in aerated soil above the water table but remain free of rust below the soil water table where air is excluded. This technique appears to work well on imperfectly and poorly drained soils.

Citation

McKee, William H. 1978. Rust on iron rods indocates depthg of soil water tables. In: Proceedings soil moisture-site productivity symposium; Atlanta, GA: USDA- Forest Service Southeastern Area S&PF. 286-291.