Soil Temperature and Soil Heat Flux

The soil temperature regime depends on its thermal properties (specific heat, thermal conductivity, thermal diffusivity, and thermal admittance). The main factors affecting the thermal regime are water content, soil texture, and compaction. The rate of heating (or cooling) of the soil is proportional to its diffusivity which is higher in sandy soils. The amount of energy stored in the soil is proportional to its thermal admittance. Soil heating occurs as a wave train with the amplitude decreasing with depth and a phase shift that increases with depth.