Coupling X-ray microtomography and macroscopic soil measurements: a method to enhance near-saturation functions?
E. Beckers1,E. Plougonven2,*,N. Gigot1,A. Léonard2,C. Roisin3,Y. Brostaux4,and A. Degré1E. Beckers et al. E. Beckers1,E. Plougonven2,*,N. Gigot1,A. Léonard2,C. Roisin3,Y. Brostaux4,and A. Degré1
2Univ. Liège, Department of Applied Chemistry, Laboratory of Chemical Engineering, Sart-Tilman, 4000 Liège, Belgium
3Walloon Agricultural Research Centre of Gembloux (CRA-W), Department of Agriculture and Natural Environment, Soil Fertility and Water Protection Unit, 4 Rue du Bordia, 5030 Gembloux, Belgium
4Univ. Liège, GxABT, Applied Statistics, Computer Science and Mathematics Unit, 2 Passage des Déportés, 5030 Gembloux, Belgium
*now at: ICMCB-CNRS/Group 4, 87 Avenue du Docteur Albert Schweitzer, 33608 Pessac, France
2Univ. Liège, Department of Applied Chemistry, Laboratory of Chemical Engineering, Sart-Tilman, 4000 Liège, Belgium
3Walloon Agricultural Research Centre of Gembloux (CRA-W), Department of Agriculture and Natural Environment, Soil Fertility and Water Protection Unit, 4 Rue du Bordia, 5030 Gembloux, Belgium
4Univ. Liège, GxABT, Applied Statistics, Computer Science and Mathematics Unit, 2 Passage des Déportés, 5030 Gembloux, Belgium
*now at: ICMCB-CNRS/Group 4, 87 Avenue du Docteur Albert Schweitzer, 33608 Pessac, France
Received: 27 Feb 2013 – Discussion started: 15 Apr 2013 – Revised: 31 Mar 2014 – Accepted: 06 Apr 2014 – Published: 20 May 2014
Abstract. Agricultural management practices influence soil structure, but the characterization of these modifications and consequences are still not completely understood. In this study, we combine X-ray microtomography with retention and hydraulic conductivity measurements in the context of tillage simplification. First, this association is used to validate microtomography information with a quick scan method. Secondly, X-ray microtomography is used to increase our knowledge of soil structural differences. Notably, we show a good match for retention and conductivity functions between macroscopic measurements and microtomographic information. Microtomography refines the shape of the retention function, highlighting the presence of a secondary pore system in our soils. Analysis of structural parameters for these pores appears to be of interest and offers additional clues for soil structure differentiation, through – among others – connectivity and tortuosity parameters. These elements make microtomography a highly competitive instrument for routine soil characterization.
