Soil Suction Measurement Techniques

Soil suction measurement techniques assess the amount of water tension in the soil, indicating how tightly water is held. Common methods include tensiometers, which measure water potential directly through a sealed tube connected to a porous ceramic tip; filter paper methods, which determine water tension by the rate of water movement through a strip of treated paper; and high-range sensors for drier soils. These tools help engineers and geologists understand soil moisture behavior, crucial for construction stability and agricultural health, by providing accurate readings of the soil’s moisture retention and availability.