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Which of the following methods is most accurate for the determination of the water content of soil?

  • a)
    Oven drying method

  • b)
    Sand bath method

  • c)
    Calcium carbide method

  • d)
    Pycnometer method

Correct answer is option 'A'. Can you explain this answer?
Most Upvoted Answer
Which of the following methods is most accurate for the determination ...
Oven dry method is the most accurate and simplest method for water content determination.
In this method complete drying of soil sample occur and water content in sample is calculated accurately by a maintained temperature in the oven ( 105° C to 110° C) for 24 hours.
Note:
For highly organic soils a low temperature of about 60° C is preferable.
If Gypsum is present, the temperature should not be more than 80° C but for a long time.
Radiation method is based on energy loss during radio active isotropes material (E.g. cobalt-60) emmites on one end and received by detector on other end. This is an approximate method.
In calcium carbide method, Acetylene gas exerts pressure on the pressure gauge which indicate the water content present in soil sample. This is not an accurate method since no control over chemical reactions.
Sand bath method is field method and there is no control over heat given to soil sample. Therefore, it is not suitable for organic soil and soil having higher gypsum content. 
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Community Answer
Which of the following methods is most accurate for the determination ...
Oven Drying Method for Determination of Water Content of Soil

The most accurate method for determining the water content of soil is the oven drying method. This method involves the following steps:

1. Sample Collection: A representative sample of soil is collected from the field and transported to the laboratory.

2. Sample Preparation: The soil sample is weighed and placed in a pre-weighed container. The weight of the container and soil is recorded.

3. Oven Drying: The container with soil sample is placed in an oven at a temperature of 105°C to 110°C for 24 hours. After 24 hours, the container with the dry soil is removed from the oven and its weight is recorded.

4. Calculation: The water content of the soil is calculated using the following formula:

Water content = [(W2 – W3) / (W3 – W1)] x 100

Where,
W1 = Weight of the container
W2 = Weight of the container + wet soil
W3 = Weight of the container + dry soil

Advantages of Oven Drying Method:

- It is a standard method for the determination of water content of soil and is widely accepted.
- It is a simple and easy method to perform.
- The results obtained from this method are accurate and reliable.
- It is a quick method for the determination of water content of soil.

Limitations of Oven Drying Method:

- The method is time-consuming as it takes 24 hours to dry the soil sample.
- The method is not suitable for the determination of water content of soil that contains volatile materials.
- The method may not be suitable for the determination of water content of soil that is highly plastic or has a high organic content.

Conclusion:

The oven drying method is the most accurate method for the determination of water content of soil. However, the limitations of this method should be considered while selecting the method for the determination of water content of soil.
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Which of the following methods is most accurate for the determination of the water content of soil?a)Oven drying methodb)Sand bath methodc)Calcium carbide methodd)Pycnometer methodCorrect answer is option 'A'. Can you explain this answer?
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