Grain Size and its Influence on Transport Properties of Soils in the Dream Cave, Bantimurung–Bulusaraung National Park, Maros Regency, South Sulawesi

Abstract

This work deals with the effect of grain size on transport properties of soils (i.e. hydraulic conductivity, water permeability) in the Dream Cave, Bantimurung–Bulusaraung National Park, Maros Regency, South Sulawesi. The samples of soils were taken from the Dream Cave within 6 trajectories with a distance of 100 meters each trajectory and taken starts from the mouth of the cave. Soil samples taken from the caves are then tested in a laboratory to determine the soil grain size, permeability, and hydraulic conductivity. Experimental results show that the soil grain size of the Dream Cave Bantimurung–Bulusaraung National Park, Maros Regency, South Sulawesi is a type of soil dust to very coarse sand with a diameter of (0.002 - 2.0) mm. The water permeability of the soil is not only affected by the pore size of the soil, but also affected by soil texture. The soil permeability with sand texture will be faster compared to other texture (e.g. clay), since sand has larger pores that allow the movement of water and other substances moves quickly. The soil in Dream Cave has a clay texture which has low hydraulic conductivity and low permeability.