Articles | Volume 2, issue 3
https://doi.org/10.5194/soil-2-421-2016
© Author(s) 2016. This work is distributed under
the Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 License.
the Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 License.
https://doi.org/10.5194/soil-2-421-2016
© Author(s) 2016. This work is distributed under
the Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 License.
the Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 License.
Original research article
| 
12 Aug 2016
Original research article |
| 12 Aug 2016
Characterization of stony soils' hydraulic conductivity using laboratory and numerical experiments
Eléonore Beckers
Université de Liège, Gembloux Agro-Bio Tech, UR Biosystems Engineering, Passage des déportés 2, 5030 Gembloux, Belgium
Mathieu Pichault
Université de Liège, Gembloux Agro-Bio Tech, UR Biosystems Engineering, Passage des déportés 2, 5030 Gembloux, Belgium
Université de Liège, Gembloux Agro-Bio Tech, UR TERRA, Passage des déportés 2, 5030 Gembloux, Belgium
Wanwisa Pansak
Naresuan University, Department of Agricultural Science, 65000 Phitsanulok, Thailand
Aurore Degré
Université de Liège, Gembloux Agro-Bio Tech, UR Biosystems Engineering, Passage des déportés 2, 5030 Gembloux, Belgium
Université de Liège, Gembloux Agro-Bio Tech, UR TERRA, Passage des déportés 2, 5030 Gembloux, Belgium
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Solomon Ehosioke, Sarah Garre, Johan Alexander Huisman, Egon Zimmermann, Mathieu Javaux, and Frederic Nguyen
EGUsphere, https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-2024-2628, https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-2024-2628, 2024
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We investigated the electrical properties of the primary roots of Brachypodium and Maize plants during the uptake of fresh and saline water using SIP measurements in a frequency range from 1 Hz to 45 kHz. Our results indicate that salinity tolerance varies with the species, and that Maize is more tolerant to salinity than Brachypodium.
Guillaume Blanchy, Waldo Deroo, Tom De Swaef, Peter Lootens, Paul Quataert, Isabel Roldán-Ruíz, and Sarah Garré
EGUsphere, https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-2024-2082, https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-2024-2082, 2024
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This work uses automated electrical resistivity tomography (ERT) for belowground field phenotyping alongside conventional field breeding techniques, thereby closing the phenotyping gap. We show that ERT is not only capable of measuring differences between crops, but also has sufficient precision to capture the differences between genotypes of the same crop. We automatically derive indicators, which can be translated to static and dynamic plant traits, directly useful for breeders.
Tobias Karl David Weber, Lutz Weihermüller, Attila Nemes, Michel Bechtold, Aurore Degré, Efstathios Diamantopoulos, Simone Fatichi, Vilim Filipović, Surya Gupta, Tobias L. Hohenbrink, Daniel R. Hirmas, Conrad Jackisch, Quirijn de Jong van Lier, John Koestel, Peter Lehmann, Toby R. Marthews, Budiman Minasny, Holger Pagel, Martine van der Ploeg, Shahab Aldin Shojaeezadeh, Simon Fiil Svane, Brigitta Szabó, Harry Vereecken, Anne Verhoef, Michael Young, Yijian Zeng, Yonggen Zhang, and Sara Bonetti
Hydrol. Earth Syst. Sci., 28, 3391–3433, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-28-3391-2024, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-28-3391-2024, 2024
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Pedotransfer functions (PTFs) are used to predict parameters of models describing the hydraulic properties of soils. The appropriateness of these predictions critically relies on the nature of the datasets for training the PTFs and the physical comprehensiveness of the models. This roadmap paper is addressed to PTF developers and users and critically reflects the utility and future of PTFs. To this end, we present a manifesto aiming at a paradigm shift in PTF research.
Guillaume Blanchy, Lukas Albrecht, Gilberto Bragato, Sarah Garré, Nicholas Jarvis, and John Koestel
Hydrol. Earth Syst. Sci., 27, 2703–2724, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-27-2703-2023, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-27-2703-2023, 2023
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We collated the Open Tension-disk Infiltrometer Meta-database (OTIM). We analysed topsoil hydraulic conductivities at supply tensions between 0 and 100 mm of 466 data entries. We found indications of different flow mechanisms at saturation and at tensions >20 mm. Climate factors were better correlated with near-saturated hydraulic conductivities than soil properties. Land use, tillage system, soil compaction and experimenter bias significantly influenced K to a similar degree to soil properties.
Benjamin Guillaume, Hanane Aroui Boukbida, Gerben Bakker, Andrzej Bieganowski, Yves Brostaux, Wim Cornelis, Wolfgang Durner, Christian Hartmann, Bo V. Iversen, Mathieu Javaux, Joachim Ingwersen, Krzysztof Lamorski, Axel Lamparter, András Makó, Ana María Mingot Soriano, Ingmar Messing, Attila Nemes, Alexandre Pomes-Bordedebat, Martine van der Ploeg, Tobias Karl David Weber, Lutz Weihermüller, Joost Wellens, and Aurore Degré
SOIL, 9, 365–379, https://doi.org/10.5194/soil-9-365-2023, https://doi.org/10.5194/soil-9-365-2023, 2023
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Measurements of soil water retention properties play an important role in a variety of societal issues that depend on soil water conditions. However, there is little concern about the consistency of these measurements between laboratories. We conducted an interlaboratory comparison to assess the reproducibility of the measurement of the soil water retention curve. Results highlight the need to harmonize and standardize procedures to improve the description of unsaturated processes in soils.
Guillaume Blanchy, Lukas Albrecht, John Koestel, and Sarah Garré
SOIL, 9, 155–168, https://doi.org/10.5194/soil-9-155-2023, https://doi.org/10.5194/soil-9-155-2023, 2023
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Adapting agricultural practices to future climatic conditions requires us to synthesize the effects of management practices on soil properties with respect to local soil and climate. We showcase different automated text-processing methods to identify topics, extract metadata for building a database and summarize findings from publication abstracts. While human intervention remains essential, these methods show great potential to support evidence synthesis from large numbers of publications.
Guillaume Blanchy, Gilberto Bragato, Claudia Di Bene, Nicholas Jarvis, Mats Larsbo, Katharina Meurer, and Sarah Garré
SOIL, 9, 1–20, https://doi.org/10.5194/soil-9-1-2023, https://doi.org/10.5194/soil-9-1-2023, 2023
Short summary
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European agriculture is vulnerable to weather extremes. Nevertheless, by choosing well how to manage their land, farmers can protect themselves against drought and peak rains. More than a thousand observations across Europe show that it is important to keep the soil covered with living plants, even in winter. A focus on a general reduction of traffic on agricultural land is more important than reducing tillage. Organic material needs to remain or be added on the field as much as possible.
Mathieu Pichault, Claire Vincent, Grant Skidmore, and Jason Monty
Wind Energ. Sci., 6, 131–147, https://doi.org/10.5194/wes-6-131-2021, https://doi.org/10.5194/wes-6-131-2021, 2021
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This paper assesses the behaviour and causality of sudden variations in wind power generation over a short period of time, also called "ramp events". It is shown, amongst other things, that ramps at the study site are mostly associated with frontal activity. Overall, the research contributes to a better understanding of the drivers and behaviours of wind power ramps at the wind farm scale, beneficial to ramp forecasting and ramp modelling.
Sathyanarayan Rao, Félicien Meunier, Solomon Ehosioke, Nolwenn Lesparre, Andreas Kemna, Frédéric Nguyen, Sarah Garré, and Mathieu Javaux
Biogeosciences Discuss., https://doi.org/10.5194/bg-2018-280, https://doi.org/10.5194/bg-2018-280, 2018
Revised manuscript not accepted
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This paper illustrates the impact of electrical property of maize root segments on the Electrical Resistivity Tomography (ERT) inversion results with the help of numerical model. The model includes explicit root representation in the finite element mesh with root growth, transpiration and root water uptake. We show that, ignoring root segments could lead to wrong estimation of water content using ERT method.
Gaël Dumont, Tamara Pilawski, Thomas Hermans, Frédéric Nguyen, and Sarah Garré
Hydrol. Earth Syst. Sci. Discuss., https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-2018-163, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-2018-163, 2018
Preprint withdrawn
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We used long time lapse geoelectrical profiles to monitor water infiltration through a landfill cover layer. The obtained electrical resistivity changes are smoothed and reflect both moisture variations, the background resistivity heterogeneity, and temperature and salinity changes due to water infiltration. Interpretation limits were investigated by using synthetic modelling. Using these results to avoid over-interpretation, field observations revealed zones where large infiltration occurs.
Sami Touil, Aurore Degre, and Mohamed Nacer Chabaca
SOIL, 2, 647–657, https://doi.org/10.5194/soil-2-647-2016, https://doi.org/10.5194/soil-2-647-2016, 2016
Sarann Ly, Catherine Sohier, Catherine Charles, and Aurore Degré
Nat. Hazards Earth Syst. Sci. Discuss., https://doi.org/10.5194/nhess-2016-16, https://doi.org/10.5194/nhess-2016-16, 2016
Manuscript not accepted for further review
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This study presents modelling work of extreme discharge response to rainfall inputs interpolated by various approaches. Elevation is used as external data to improve the rainfall prediction. Thirty years of daily rainfall in the Ourthe and Ambleve catchments (hilly landscape of Belgium) are used as inputs for a distributed hydrological model. We assess the effectiveness of extreme flow prediction using these methods. The position of the raingages is the key factor for rainfall interpolation.
E. Beckers, E. Plougonven, N. Gigot, A. Léonard, C. Roisin, Y. Brostaux, and A. Degré
Hydrol. Earth Syst. Sci., 18, 1805–1817, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-18-1805-2014, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-18-1805-2014, 2014
M. Grandry, S. Gailliez, C. Sohier, A. Verstraete, and A. Degré
Hydrol. Earth Syst. Sci., 17, 1319–1330, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-17-1319-2013, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-17-1319-2013, 2013
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Adapting agricultural practices to future climatic conditions requires us to synthesize the effects of management practices on soil properties with respect to local soil and climate. We showcase different automated text-processing methods to identify topics, extract metadata for building a database and summarize findings from publication abstracts. While human intervention remains essential, these methods show great potential to support evidence synthesis from large numbers of publications.
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SOIL, 9, 1–20, https://doi.org/10.5194/soil-9-1-2023, https://doi.org/10.5194/soil-9-1-2023, 2023
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Mahyar Naseri, Sascha C. Iden, and Wolfgang Durner
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We simulated stony soils with low to high volumes of rock fragments in 3D using evaporation and multistep unit-gradient experiments. Hydraulic properties of virtual stony soils were identified under a wide range of soil matric potentials. The developed models for scaling the hydraulic conductivity of stony soils were evaluated under unsaturated flow conditions.
Danielle L. Gelardi, Irfan H. Ainuddin, Devin A. Rippner, Janis E. Patiño, Majdi Abou Najm, and Sanjai J. Parikh
SOIL, 7, 811–825, https://doi.org/10.5194/soil-7-811-2021, https://doi.org/10.5194/soil-7-811-2021, 2021
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Biochar is purported to alter soil water dynamics and reduce nutrient loss when added to soils, though the mechanisms are often unexplored. We studied the ability of seven biochars to alter the soil chemical and physical environment. The flow of ammonium through biochar-amended soil was determined to be controlled through chemical affinity, and nitrate, to a lesser extent, through physical entrapment. These data will assist land managers in choosing biochars for specific agricultural outcomes.
Frederic Leuther and Steffen Schlüter
SOIL, 7, 179–191, https://doi.org/10.5194/soil-7-179-2021, https://doi.org/10.5194/soil-7-179-2021, 2021
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Freezing and thawing cycles are an important agent of soil structural transformation during the winter season in the mid-latitudes. This study shows that it promotes a well-connected pore system, fragments dense soil clods, and, hence, increases the unsaturated conductivity by a factor of 3. The results are important for predicting the structure formation and hydraulic properties of soils, with the prospect of milder winters due to climate change, and for farmers preparing the seedbed in spring.
Cosimo Brogi, Johan A. Huisman, Lutz Weihermüller, Michael Herbst, and Harry Vereecken
SOIL, 7, 125–143, https://doi.org/10.5194/soil-7-125-2021, https://doi.org/10.5194/soil-7-125-2021, 2021
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Jaqueline Stenfert Kroese, John N. Quinton, Suzanne R. Jacobs, Lutz Breuer, and Mariana C. Rufino
SOIL, 7, 53–70, https://doi.org/10.5194/soil-7-53-2021, https://doi.org/10.5194/soil-7-53-2021, 2021
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Particulate macronutrient concentrations were up to 3-fold higher in a natural forest catchment compared to fertilized agricultural catchments. Although the particulate macronutrient concentrations were lower in the smallholder agriculture catchment, because of higher sediment loads from that catchment, the total particulate macronutrient loads were higher. Land management practices should be focused on agricultural land to reduce the loss of soil carbon and nutrients to the stream.
Yongjiu Dai, Wei Shangguan, Nan Wei, Qinchuan Xin, Hua Yuan, Shupeng Zhang, Shaofeng Liu, Xingjie Lu, Dagang Wang, and Fapeng Yan
SOIL, 5, 137–158, https://doi.org/10.5194/soil-5-137-2019, https://doi.org/10.5194/soil-5-137-2019, 2019
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Soil data are widely used in various Earth science fields. We reviewed soil property maps for Earth system models, which can also offer insights to soil data developers and users. Old soil datasets are often based on limited observations and have various uncertainties. Updated and comprehensive soil data are made available to the public and can benefit related research. Good-quality soil data are identified and suggestions on how to improve and use them are provided.
Reuven B. Simhayov, Tobias K. D. Weber, and Jonathan S. Price
SOIL, 4, 63–81, https://doi.org/10.5194/soil-4-63-2018, https://doi.org/10.5194/soil-4-63-2018, 2018
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Lab experiments were performed to understand solute transport in peat from an experimental fen. Transport was analyzed under saturated and unsaturated conditions using NaCl (salt). We tested the applicability of a physical-based model which finds a wide consensus vs. alternative models. Evidence indicated that Cl transport can be explained using a simple transport model. Hence, use of the physical transport mechanism in peat should be evidence based and not automatically assumed.
Sami Touil, Aurore Degre, and Mohamed Nacer Chabaca
SOIL, 2, 647–657, https://doi.org/10.5194/soil-2-647-2016, https://doi.org/10.5194/soil-2-647-2016, 2016
M. J. Kirkby
SOIL, 2, 631–645, https://doi.org/10.5194/soil-2-631-2016, https://doi.org/10.5194/soil-2-631-2016, 2016
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The review paper surveys the state of the art with respect to water in the critical zone, taking a broad view that concentrates on the global range of natural soils, identifying some areas of currently active research.
Jean-Christophe Calvet, Noureddine Fritz, Christine Berne, Bruno Piguet, William Maurel, and Catherine Meurey
SOIL, 2, 615–629, https://doi.org/10.5194/soil-2-615-2016, https://doi.org/10.5194/soil-2-615-2016, 2016
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Soil thermal conductivity in wet conditions can be retrieved together with the soil quartz content using a reverse modelling technique based on sub-hourly soil temperature observations at three depths below the soil surface.
A pedotransfer function is proposed for quartz, for the considered region in France.
Gravels have a major impact on soil thermal conductivity, and omitting the soil organic matter information tends to enhance this impact.
Assefa D. Zegeye, Eddy J. Langendoen, Cathelijne R. Stoof, Seifu A. Tilahun, Dessalegn C. Dagnew, Fasikaw A. Zimale, Christian D. Guzman, Birru Yitaferu, and Tammo S. Steenhuis
SOIL, 2, 443–458, https://doi.org/10.5194/soil-2-443-2016, https://doi.org/10.5194/soil-2-443-2016, 2016
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Gully erosion rehabilitation programs in the humid Ethiopian highlands have not been effective, because the gully formation process and its controlling factors are not well understood. In this manuscript, the severity of gully erosion (onsite and offsite effect), the most controlling factors (e.g., ground water elevation) for gully formation, and their arresting mechanisms are discussed in detail. Most data were collected from the detailed measurements of 13 representative gullies.
Mirjam J. D. Hack-ten Broeke, Joop G. Kroes, Ruud P. Bartholomeus, Jos C. van Dam, Allard J. W. de Wit, Iwan Supit, Dennis J. J. Walvoort, P. Jan T. van Bakel, and Rob Ruijtenberg
SOIL, 2, 391–402, https://doi.org/10.5194/soil-2-391-2016, https://doi.org/10.5194/soil-2-391-2016, 2016
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For calculating the effects of hydrological measures on agricultural production in the Netherlands a new comprehensive and climate proof method is being developed: WaterVision Agriculture (in Dutch: Waterwijzer Landbouw). End users have asked for a method that considers current and future climate, which can quantify the differences between years and also the effects of extreme weather events.
Mamaru A. Moges, Fasikaw A. Zemale, Muluken L. Alemu, Getaneh K. Ayele, Dessalegn C. Dagnew, Seifu A. Tilahun, and Tammo S. Steenhuis
SOIL, 2, 337–349, https://doi.org/10.5194/soil-2-337-2016, https://doi.org/10.5194/soil-2-337-2016, 2016
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In tropical monsoonal Africa, sediment concentration data in rivers are lacking. Using occasional historically observed sediment loads, we developed a simple method for prediction sediment concentrations. Unlike previous methods, our techniques take into account that sediment concentrations decrease with the progression of the monsoon rains. With more testing, the developed method could improve sediment predictions in monsoonal climates.
Didier Michot, Zahra Thomas, and Issifou Adam
SOIL, 2, 241–255, https://doi.org/10.5194/soil-2-241-2016, https://doi.org/10.5194/soil-2-241-2016, 2016
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This study focuses on temporal and spatial soil moisture changes along a toposequence crossed by a hedgerow, using ERT and occasional measurements. We found that the relationship between ER and soil moisture had two behaviors depending on soil heterogeneities. ER values were consistent with occasional measurements outside the root zone. The shift in this relationship was controlled by root system density and a particular topographical context in the proximity of the hedgerow.
Maha Deeb, Michel Grimaldi, Thomas Z. Lerch, Anne Pando, Agnès Gigon, and Manuel Blouin
SOIL, 2, 163–174, https://doi.org/10.5194/soil-2-163-2016, https://doi.org/10.5194/soil-2-163-2016, 2016
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This paper addresses the evolution of engineered soils (i.e., Technosols). The formation of such soils begins with proportional mixing of urban waste. Technosols are particularly well suited for investigating the role of organisms in soil function development. This is because they provide a controlled environment where the soil development can be monitored over time.
Organisms and their interaction with parent materials positively affect the structure of Technosols.
Z. Hazbavi and S. H. R. Sadeghi
SOIL, 2, 71–78, https://doi.org/10.5194/soil-2-71-2016, https://doi.org/10.5194/soil-2-71-2016, 2016
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This study evaluates the influences of vinasse waste of sugarcane industries on runoff and soil loss at small plot scale. Laboratory results indicated that the vinasse at different levels could not significantly (P > 0.05) decrease the runoff amounts and soil loss rates in the study plots compared to untreated plots. The average amounts of minimum runoff volume and soil loss were about 3985 mL and 46 g for the study plot at a 1 L m−2 level of vinasse application.
S. Arnold and E. R. Williams
SOIL, 2, 41–48, https://doi.org/10.5194/soil-2-41-2016, https://doi.org/10.5194/soil-2-41-2016, 2016
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Soil water models are used to design cover systems for containing hazardous waste following mining. Often, soil invertebrates are omitted from these calculations, despite playing a major role in soil development (nutrient cycling) and water pathways (seepage, infiltration). As such, soil invertebrates can influence the success of waste cover systems. We propose that experiments in glasshouses, laboratories and field trials on mined lands be undertaken to provide knowledge for these models.
R. M. Nagare, P. Bhattacharya, J. Khanna, and R. A. Schincariol
SOIL, 1, 103–116, https://doi.org/10.5194/soil-1-103-2015, https://doi.org/10.5194/soil-1-103-2015, 2015
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Short summary
Determining the behaviour of stony soils with respect to infiltration and storage of water is of major importance, since stony soils are widespread across the globe. The most common procedure to overcome this difficulty is to describe the hydraulic characteristics of a stony soils in terms of the fine fraction of soil corrected for the volume of stones present. Our study suggests that considering this hypothesis might be ill-founded, especially for saturated soils.
Determining the behaviour of stony soils with respect to infiltration and storage of water is of...
