Prediction of water retention properties of Syrian clayey soils

Studies on clayey soils developed in temperate areas have shown that their water retention properties are related to both the clay content and specific pore volume of clay, latter being hydric history soil, is drying/wetting cycles. Our objective was discuss validity these results for semi-arid areas. Samples were collected located Syria. Physico-chemical determined. Water measured at field capacity potentials ranging from −10 −15,000 hPa. X-ray diffraction analyses performed fraction identify clay. Results showed clays a high cation exchange (0.707–0.891 mmol+ g−1 clay) external surface area (112 178 m2 clay). These values consistent with which presence proportion smectite most horizons secondarily varying proportions illite chlorite; kaolinite, while present, not abundant. also amount retained by according potential closely capacity. Regression equations established using data published earlier those this study enabled us predict larger range mineralogy climatic environments including than previously discussed literature.