Siberian Journal of Life Sciences and Agriculture

2658-66492658-6657

Science and Innovation Center Publishing House

480480

10.12731/2658-6649-2026-18-3-1464

IMXVDJ

Почвоведение

Soil Science

Research Article

Using effective moisture content to predict sorptivity

https://orcid.org/0000-0001-5547-9168

57958078600

Al-Wazzan

Faris Akram

Iraq

Ph.D., Assistant Professor, Department of Soil Science and Water Resources, College of Agriculture and Forestry

dr.farisakram@uomosul.edu.iq

University of Mosul

30062026

2026

183

1291412012202525032026

Received:20122025

Accepted:25032026

Published:30062026

2026

Al-Wazzan F.

Faris A. Al-Wazzan

https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0

https://journals.rcsi.science/2658-6649/article/view/480480

480480/480480-1257502-1-SM.pdf

Background. Soil sorptivity is a critical hydraulic property governing early-stage infiltration though it is difficult to measure it directly in field conditions. Effective moisture content (Se) is a more accessible hydraulic parameter that may serve as a proxy.

Purpose. This study aimed to evaluate the potential of effective moisture content, measured at a tension of 336 cm water, to predict soil sorptivity across varying soil textures in semi-arid northern Iraq.

Materials and methods. Eight soil samples (sandy clay loam to clay) were collected from Nineveh Province. Effective moisture content was calculated from saturated and residual moisture measurements. Sorptivity was determined assuming both spherical and cubic aggregate geometries.

Results. Effective moisture content at 336 cm water showed a strong linear relationship with sorptivity (R² = 0.94 for spherical aggregates). Clay content was the dominant factor influencing both parameters. The spherical aggregate assumption produced higher and more representative sorptivity values compared to cubic geometry.

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