I want to determine the permeability of a shallow hardpan and leaching of nutrient through it. How can I do?

Question

I am working on a project in which I try to estimate the subsurface lateral flow of water which occurs due to presence of a shallow hardpan in the soil profile at about one meter deep. But I want to determine how permeable the hardpan is an how much water percolates through it to meet the groundwater. Can I do it with the help of a tracer like potassium bromide?If I can how should I take samples and how can i proceed?

Answer 1

you may have to determine the hydraulic conductivity of the material above and below and through the hard pan to establish the permeability through the hard pan. Then i would sample the water on top and below the hard pan to determine if any leaching is occurring. By comparing the 2 areas you can find the differences between them and try to conclude the answers from your data.
This sound like you doing an Honours project or something like that. I could write a whole scientific method for this prac but that would take ages, sorry.
good luck