Saturated hydraulic conductivity measurements of soil samples at laboratory scale

Saturated hydraulic conductivity (Ks) is one of the most important hydraulic properties affecting water flow in soils/sediments. The objective of this investigation is comparison of different methods for Ks determination. Empirical methods using grain size analysis, ROSETTA pedotransfer function model using grain size analysis and bulk density, as well as falling head test method using permeameter in laboratory conditions were used for determination of Ks in this study. Samples were taken from part of the unsaturated zone profile, located about 800 m from right bank of Sava River at Kosnica water capture site. Disturbed samples were collected for grain size analysis, while undisturbed samples were collected for falling head test method. We consider laboratory permeametar method the most reliable among studied methods. However, it is the most time consuming and most expensive method. The choice of method will depend on the time and equipment available, as well as the purpose of investigation