Correlating tomography structure parameters with physical soil functions in representative sites in Schleswig-Holstein, Germany
- 1Leibniz University Hannover, Institute of Soil Science, Department Soil Biophysics, Hannover, Germany (roosch@ifbk.uni-hannover.de)
- 2University of Kassel, Department of Soil Science, Nordbahnhofstr. 1A, 37213 Witzenhausen, Germany
- 3Christian-Albrechts-University Kiel, Institute of Plant Nutrition and Soil Science, Herrmann-Rodewald-Straße 2, 24118 Kiel, Germany
- 4Fachhochschule Kiel (University of Applied Sciences), Faculty of Agriculture, Grüner Kamp 11, 24783 Osterrönfeld, Germany
Soil structure influences important soil functions like hydraulic conductivity and air permeability, which in turn influence plant growth. The physical structure of soils is thus, besides chemical and biological parameters, one major component of soil fertility. Unfortunately, this physical fertility is often impaired by agricultural practices.
To study the structural status and the relationships between structural and functional parameters, 45 representative arable sites in Schleswig-Holstein, Germany, were sampled at three depths in top- and subsoil. Soil structure was described quantitatively using X-ray computed tomography of soil cores (continuity and size distribution of macropores). Measured soil functions included saturated hydraulic conductivity, air permeability, air capacity, and pore size distribution (via water retention curves).
The results not only help elucidate relations between structural and functional soil parameters. They also give a detailed and comprehensive insight into the structural state and their relation to soil physical functions of typical arable sites across Schleswig-Holstein that has not existed before.
How to cite: Roosch, S., Ormeno, J., Uteau, D., Fleige, H., Mordhorst, A., Rostek, J., Wiermann, C., Müller, G., and Peth, S.: Correlating tomography structure parameters with physical soil functions in representative sites in Schleswig-Holstein, Germany, EGU General Assembly 2024, Vienna, Austria, 14–19 Apr 2024, EGU24-12523, https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-egu24-12523, 2024.
