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This study evaluated the accuracy of pressure plate apparatus for measuring soil water retention at -0.5 and -1.5 MPa matric potential. Samples from 35 contrasting Australian soils were wetted with distilled water and drained on pressure plate apparatus at -0.5 and -1.5 MPa. The soil matric potential of each sample was then determined using a thermocouple psychrometer, and water content was measured. Water content at exactly -0.5 and -1.5 MPa matric potential was determined independently by interpolating between replicates of matric potential-water content data measured using a thermocouple psychrometer. Water content of the soil samples at apparent equilibrium on pressure plates was compared with these "target" water contents. The 35 samples on pressure plates at -1.5 MPa equilibrated, on average, to 0.3% (w/w) wetter than the target water content, with mean matric potential of -1.10 MPa. Fifteen samples were significantly wetter than the target values. Soil samples on pressure plates at -0.5 MPa equilibrated, on average, to 0.2% (w/w) wetter than the target water content, attaining a mean matric potential of-0.48 MPa. Mean error in water content at -1.5 MPa on pressure plates was reduced from >0.5 to |
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