Water and solute movement in field soils

The current technology to assess water and solute movement in field soils using isotope and radiation methods as well as non-nuclear methods is reviewed. Assuming a similar media concept, a simple method to measure the hydraulic conductivity and to obtain mean values of the parameter over a large field is presented. Soil nitrate moving below the root zone of a maize crop is discussed in relation to the spatial variability of field soil water properties. Additional statistical methods are suggested when analyzing water and solute movement. (author)