Hydrophysical properties of substrates used for technosols’ construction in Moscow megapolis

Constructed Technosols are widely spread in cities and perform important functions, including water purification, transfer and storage. The performance of these functions is affected by hydrophysical properties of materials and substrates implemented for Technosols’ construction. In this research, water retention curves of the four different substrates used for soil construction in Moscow megapolis were measured by the equilibrium centrifuging approach. The pore size distribution and soil hydrological constants were analyzed based on the water retention curves. The highest water holding capacity was shown for the valley peat. Typical Chernozem was characterized with largest amount of thin pores. Considering all the analyzed hydrophysical properties and climatic conditions, different combinations of loamy-sandy Retisols with sub-layers of valley peat will likely increase water holding capacity and create the best conditions for sustainable development of urban greenery in Moscow megapolis. © Springer International Publishing AG, part of Springer Nature 2019.