Source: UNIVERSITY OF MISSOURI submitted to NRP
MEASUREMENT OF MACROPORE-SCALE SOIL PHYSICAL PROPERTIES USING X-RAY COMPUTER TOMOGRAPHY
Sponsoring Institution
National Institute of Food and Agriculture
Project Status
COMPLETE
Funding Source
HATCH
Reporting Frequency
Annual
Accession No.
0155989
Grant No.
(N/A)
Cumulative Award Amt.
(N/A)
Proposal No.
(N/A)
Multistate No.
(N/A)
Project Start Date
Jul 1, 2000
Project End Date
Jun 30, 2006
Grant Year
(N/A)
Program Code
[(N/A)]- (N/A)
Recipient Organization
UNIVERSITY OF MISSOURI
(N/A)
COLUMBIA,MO 65211
Performing Department
SCHOOL OF NATURAL RESOURCES
Non Technical Summary
Managing runoff water quality and quantity are critical issues for row crop production in Missouri and other midwestern states. Improved methods will be developed in this project for quantifying the effects of soil management on soil structural features which influence water infiltration in soils.
Animal Health Component
10%
Research Effort Categories
Basic
65%
Applied
10%
Developmental
25%
Classification

Knowledge Area (KA)Subject of Investigation (SOI)Field of Science (FOS)Percent
1330110201060%
1330320201025%
1330330201015%
Knowledge Area
133 - Pollution Prevention and Mitigation;

Subject Of Investigation
0320 - Watersheds; 0110 - Soil; 0330 - Wetland and riparian systems;

Field Of Science
2010 - Physics;
Goals / Objectives
To evaluate and improve current methods and procedures for using X-ray computed tomography (CT) for measurement of soil physical properties. To explore and develop methods for use of X-ray synchrotron computed microtomography for measurement of soil physical properties. To measure and quantify the influence of selected soil management treatments on soil physical properties using traditional and CT methods. To evaluate fractal methods for use in quantifying spatial variability in soil physical properties.
Project Methods
Experiments will be conducted to determine the number of measured scans needed to reduce the variability of the X-ray computed tomography (CT) attenuation coefficients. These studies will consist of multiple scans of selected phantoms containing macropores. Data will be evaluated as to the minimum number of scans needed to increase the precision on a voxel scale for selected soil physical properties. The properties to be evaluated will be soil bulk density and porosity. Soil cores will be taken from the following field treatments: (i) soil compacted due to excessive wheel traffic, (ii) soil tilled with conventional disking operations, (iii) soil compacted due to excessive wheel traffic and subsequently chisel plowed, and (iv) soil managed with minimum tillage prior to planting. Additional sites under forest management will be sampled. These samples will be evaluated using both traditional methods as well as CT-scanning.

Progress 07/01/00 to 06/30/06

Outputs
Planting stiff-stemmed grass hedges in a watershed may reduce water runoff and soil erosion, in part by altering soil macroporosity. The objective of this study was to characterize macroporosity of soils under a perennial grass hedge system for 12 years using x-ray computed tomography (CT) and to compare CT-macroporosity results with macroporosity estimated from water retention data. Three positions were sampled: grass hedge position, deposition zone position 0.5 m upslope from grass hedges, and row crop position 7 m upslope from the hedges. Intact core samples (76 mm x 76 mm) were collected from two depths, 0 to 100 mm and 100 to 200 mm, with five replicates per position per depth. Number of pores (macro- and meso-), averaged across depths, in the grass hedge were nearly 2.5 times greater than those in the row crop and 5 times greater than in the deposition positions; however their circularity was 8.8% lower than in the row crop and 2.6% lower than in the deposition positions. The CT-measured macroporosity was significantly greater (P < 0.01) for the grass hedge position (0.056 vol/vol) as compared to the row crop (0.014 vol/vol) and deposition positions (0.006 vol/vol). The fractal dimension (D) was significantly greater (P < 0.01) for the grass hedge position (D=1.56) than in the row crop (D=1.31) and the deposition (D=1.12) positions. The values of all measured pore characteristics decreased with depth. CT-measured macroporosity data were comparable with macroporosity estimated from water retention data. These findings suggest that grass hedge systems have created more pores and a greater volume of macroporosity.

Impacts
Soil water transport properties are highly sensitive to soil structural parameters. Soil structure properties such as macropores assessed using medical tomography scans can be quantified which are useful in predicting soil hydraulic conductivity. This study used computed tomography to evaluate changes in pore characteristics and relate these to soil hydraulic conductivity. Applications of this study include improving our understanding of how agricultural management affects changes in pore size distributions and soil hydraulic conductivity.

Publications

  • Motavalli, P., K. Nelson, S. Anderson, and J. Sadler. 2006. Use of slow-release N fertilizer to control nitrogen losses due to spatial and climatic differences in soil moisture conditions and drainage. p. 28-35, Missouri Soil Fertility and Fertilizers Update, Agronomy Miscellaneous Publ. #06-01, University of Missouri, Columbia.
  • Motavalli, P., K. Nelson, N. Kitchen, S. Anderson, and P. Scharf. 2006. Variable source N fertilizer applications to optimize crop N use efficiency. p. 56-62, Missouri Soil Fertility and Fertilizers Update, Agronomy Miscellaneous Publ. #06-01, University of Missouri, Columbia.
  • Blanco-Canqui, H., C.J. Gantzer, and S.H. Anderson. 2006. Performance of grass barriers and filter strips under interrill and concentrated flow. J. Env. Qual. 35: 1969-1974.
  • Jung, W.K., N.R. Kitchen, K.A. Sudduth, and S.H. Anderson. 2006. Spatial characteristics of claypan soil properties in an agricultural field. Soil Sci. Soc. Am. J. 70:1387-1397.
  • Pengthamkeerati, P., P.P. Motavalli, R.J. Kremer, and S.H. Anderson. 2006. Soil compaction and poultry litter effects on factors affecting nitrogen availability in a claypan soil. Soil and Tillage Research 91:109-119.
  • Udawatta, R.P., S.H. Anderson, C.J. Gantzer, and H.E. Garrett. 2006. Agroforestry and grass buffer influence on macropore characteristics: A computed tomography analysis. Soil Sci. Soc. Am J. 70:1763-1773.
  • Baffaut, C., W. Intarapapong, S.H. Anderson, R. Broz, and W.B. Kurtz. 2006. Jenkins Basin Watershed: Computer based evaluation of the AGNPS-SALT Project. 25 pp., FAPRI Report #16-06, Univ. of Missouri.
  • Baffaut, C., D.T. Jones-Farrand, S.H. Anderson, R. Broz, and W.B. Kurtz. 2006. Long Branch Lake Watershed: Computer based evaluation of the AGNPS-SALT Project. 35 pp., FAPRI Report #20-06, Univ. of Missouri.
  • Baffaut, C., W. Intarapapong, S.H. Anderson, R. Broz, and W.B. Kurtz. 2006. Miami Creek Watershed: Computer based evaluation of the AGNPS-SALT Project. 34 pp., FAPRI Report #18-06, Univ. of Missouri.
  • Baffaut, C., W. Intarapapong, S.H. Anderson, R. Broz, and W.B. Kurtz. 2006. Flat Creek Watershed: Computer based evaluation of the AGNPS-SALT Project. 23 pp., FAPRI Report #13-06, Univ. of Missouri.
  • Baffaut, C., W. Intarapapong, S.H. Anderson, R. Broz, and W.B. Kurtz. 2006. Upper and Lower Big Maries River Watershed: Computer based evaluation of the AGNPS-SALT Project. 37 pp., FAPRI Report #06-06, Univ. of Missouri.
  • Baffaut, C., W. Intarapapong, S.H. Anderson, R. Broz, and W.B. Kurtz. 2006. Final Report: Computer based evaluation of the AGNPS-SALT Project. 15 pp., FAPRI Report #19-06, Univ. of Missouri.
  • Wu, S.H., K. Goyne, R. Lerch, C.H. Lin, and S. Anderson. 2006. Adsorption of Isoxaflutole degradates to aluminum and iron hydrous oxides. 2006 Am. Soc. of Agron. International Annual Meetings Abstracts [CD-ROM].
  • Hoilett, N. 2006. Microbial properties as affected by in situ phosphate treatment in lead contaminated soils. M.S. Thesis, Univ. of Missouri-Columbia.
  • Anderson, S.H., A. Rachman, C.J. Gantzer, and R.P. Udawatta. 2006. Computed tomography for measurement of soil macroporosity as affected by stiff-stemmed grass hedges. p. 361, Abstracts for 18th World Congress of Soil Science, 9-15 July, Philadelphia, Pennsylavania.
  • Merchan-Paniagua, S., P. Motavalli, K. Nelson, S. Anderson, and J. Sadler. 2006. Use of slow-release N fertilizer to control nitrogen losses due to spatial and climatic differences in soil moisture conditions and drainage. p. 80-84, 2006 Greenley Memorial Research Center Field Day Report, Univ. of Missouri-Columbia.
  • Noellsch, A., P. Motavalli, K. Nelson, N. Kitchen, S. Anderson, P. Scharf, and P. Tracy. 2006. Variable source N fertilizer applications to optimize crop N use efficiency. p. 70-75, 2006 Greenley Memorial Research Center Field Day Report, Univ. of Missouri-Columbia.
  • Udawatta, R.J., S.H. Anderson, and H.E. Garrett. 2006. Soil pore characteristics, hydraulic conductivity and soil bulk density as influenced by agroforestry and grass buffer conservation practices. p. 97-100, 2006 Greenley Memorial Research Center Field Day Report, Univ. of Missouri-Columbia.
  • Gantzer. C.J., S.H. Anderson, and S. Assouline. 2006. Synchrotron computed microtomography for assessing changes in porosity as influenced by compaction. p. 356-357, Abstracts for 18th World Congress of Soil Science, 9-15 July Philadelphia, Pennsylavania.
  • Jiang, P., S.H. Anderson, N.R. Kitchen, E.J. Sadler, and K.A. Suddeth. 2006. Landscape and conservation management effects on soil hydraulic properties for an Epiaqualf. p. 498, Abstracts for 18th World Congress of Soil Science, 9-15 July, Philadelphia, Pennsylavania.
  • Merchan-Paniagua, S., P.P. Motavalli, K.A. Nelson, S.H. Anderson, and E.J. Sadler. 2006. Slow-release N fertilizer to control soil nitrous oxide losses due to spatial and climatic differences in soil water content and drainage. p. 63, Abstracts for 18th World Congress of Soil Science, 9-15 July, Philadelphia, Pennsylavania.
  • Udawatta, R.P., S.H. Anderson, and C.J. Gantzer. 2006. Agroforestry and grass buffer influences on CT-measured pore characteristics. p. 363, Abstracts for 18th World Congress of Soil Science, 9-15 July, Philadelphia, Pennsylavania.
  • Baffaut, C., E.J. Sadler, S.H. Anderson, R. Broz, W.B. Kurtz, L.M.J. McCann, R.N. Lerch, J.S. Rikoon. 2006. Watershed-scale evaluation of selected soil and water conservation practices in the Goodwater Creek Watershed. J. Soil and Water Conservation 61:218.
  • Baffaut, C., W.B. Kurtz, R. Broz, S.H. Anderson, and W. Intarapapong. 2006. Using SWAT to evaluate six watershed-based non-point source pollution projects. J. Soil and Water Conservation 61:203.
  • Lee, S.S., C.J. Gantzer, S.H. Anderson, and A.L. Thompson. 2006. Soil surface-seal measurement using ultra-high resolution X-ray computed tomography. J. Soil and Water Conservation 61:184-185.
  • Baffaut, C., S.H. Anderson, R. Broz, L. McCann, W.B. Kurtz, R. Lerch, J.S. Rikoon, and J. Sadler. 2006. Watershed-scale evaluation of soil and water conservation practices in the Goodwater Creek Watershed. USDA-CSREES National Water Conference Abstracts, 5-9 February, San Antonio, Texas.
  • Sadler, J., C. Baffaut, B. Lerch, S. Anderson, F. Ghidey, and G. Alberts. 2006. Calibration and validation of the SWAT model in Goodwater Creek Watershed. American Society of Agricultural and Biological Engineers Annual International Meeting Abstracts, 9-12 July, Portland, Oregon.
  • Jiang, P., S.H. Anderson, N.R. Kitchen, K.A. Sudduth, and E.J. Sadler. 2006. Estimates of plant-available water capacity for claypan landscapes using soil electrical conductivity. 2006 Am. Soc. of Agron. International Annual Meetings Abstracts [CD-ROM].
  • Lin, C.H., R. Lerch, H.E. Garrett, C.J. Gantzer, S.H. Anderson, and M.F. George. 2006. Utilizing vegetative buffer strips to remove dissolved and sediment-bound atrazine, metolachlor and glyphosate from surface water runoff. 2006 Am. Soc. of Agron. International Annual Meetings Abstracts [CD-ROM].
  • Udawatta, R.P., C.J. Gantzer, and S.H. Anderson. 2006. Agroforestry and grass buffer effects on computed tomography-evaluated pore characteristics. 2006 Am. Soc. of Agron. International Annual Meetings Abstracts [CD-ROM].
  • Udawatta, R.P., S.H. Anderson, C.J. Gantzer, and H.E. Garrett. 2006. Computed tomographic characterization of soil pores as influenced by restoration of prairie ecosystems. 2006 Am. Soc. of Agron. International Annual Meetings Abstracts [CD-ROM].


Progress 01/01/05 to 12/31/05

Outputs
Estimation of soil physical properties from soil structure has been studied for many years. Recent advances in the application of X-ray computed tomography (CT) for the evaluation of soil properties have added a new research tool for investigating soil structural features in intact soil cores. Efforts to interpret CT images and relate this information to soil properties have been attempted; however, a routine analysis technique has not been developed. The objectives of this study were to evaluate CT scan images using the Multiple Resolution Blanket (MRB) method and relate properties determined from this method with soil physical properties including saturated hydraulic conductivity. Forty intact soil cores (76 mm diam. by 76 mm) were collected from Sanborn Field on the University of Missouri campus. The soil was classified as a Mexico silt loam (fine, smectitic, mesic Aeric Vertic Epiaqualf). Ten replicate samples were taken at four depths: 80-156, 180-256, 280-356, and 380-456 mm depths. A General Electric Genesis-Zeus medical scanner with a voxel resolution of 0.1- by 0.1- by 2-mm was used to scan the soil cores. Eight CT scans each separated by 7 mm were taken throughout each core equilibrated to a soil water potential of -10 kPa prior to scanning. Soil physical properties measured on a core basis included bulk density, porosity, macroporosity and saturated hydraulic conductivity. Each CT scan was scaled so that the CT numbers ranged from 0 to 255 relative attenuation allowing a 256 by 256 by 256 volume to be evaluated. The MRB method uses a theoretical blanket of varying thickness (k) to determine topological signatures for representing variability within a scan image. MRB signature graphs were divided into three regions (k < 0.8 mm, 0.8 < k < 3.5 mm, k > 3.5 mm) for analysis. The three regions are related to relatively small, intermediate and large pore size characteristics within the limits of the medical CT scanner resolution. Intercepts and slopes were determined for the three regions and were related to soil physical properties. The slope for the middle region (0.8 < k < 3.5 mm) and the intercept for the third region (k > 3.5 mm) were highly correlated with bulk density (r = -0.87), porosity (r = 0.80), macroporosity (r = 0.80), and the logarithm of saturated hydraulic conductivity (r = 0.64). The best two-parameter statistical model for estimating the log-transformed saturated hydraulic conductivity included the intercepts from the first and third regions (r = 0.78). This study illustrates how X-ray CT images from soil cores can be evaluated using an image analysis technique and correlated with soil core-scale physical properties.

Impacts
Soil water transport properties are highly sensitive to soil structural parameters. Soil structure assessed using medical tomography scans can be quantified using a new index which is useful in predicting soil hydraulic conductivity. This study used this fractal dimension index and related this parameter to soil hydraulic conductivity. Applications of this study include improving our understanding of how agricultural management affects changes in pore size distributions and soil hydraulic conductivity.

Publications

  • Udawatta, R.P., S.H. Anderson, and H.E. Garrett. 2005. Tree, grass, and crop root length densities and soil water content within an agroforestry buffer system. pp. 1-16. In K.N. Brooks and P.F. Ffolliott (ed.) Moving agroforestry into the mainstream. The 9th North American Agroforestry Conference Proceedings, June 12-15, 2005, St. Paul, Minnesota. Dept. of Forest Resources, University of Minnesota, St. Paul, MN. [CD-ROM]
  • Gantzer, C.J., S.H. Anderson, and A.L. Thompson. 2005. Use of polyacrylamide to reduce soil erosion and runoff during prairie restoration. 4 pp. Prairie Fork Conservation Area Final Report.
  • Kremer, R.J., and S.H. Anderson. 2005. Characterization of soil quality during restoration of prairie ecosystems. 11 pp. Prairie Fork Conservation Area Final Report.
  • Merchan-Paniagua, S., K. Nelson, P. Motavalli, S. Anderson, and J. Sadler. 2005. Use of slow-release N fertilizer to control nitrogen losses due to spatial and climatic differences in soil moisture conditions and drainage. p. 17-20, 2005 Greenley Memorial Research Center Field Day Report, Univ. of Missouri-Columbia.
  • Motavalli, P., K. Nelson, S. Anderson, and J. Sadler. 2005. Use of slow-release N fertilizer to control nitrogen losses due to spatial and climatic difference in soil moisture conditions and drainage. p. 114-118, Missouri Soil Fertility and Fertilizers Update, Agronomy Miscellaneous Publ. #05-01, University of Missouri, Columbia.
  • Udawatta, R., S.Anderson, and H. Garrett. 2005. Influence of agroforestry buffers on root length density and soil water content. p. 34-41, 2005 Greenley Memorial Research Center Field Day Report, Univ. of Missouri-Columbia.
  • Ok, C.H., S.H. Anderson, E.H. Ervin, and B.S. Fresenburg. 2005. Rootzone water content and drought stress tolerance of creeping bentgrass in selected putting green construction systems. Int. Turfgrass Soc. Res. J. 10:1027-1033.
  • Pengthamkeerati, P., P.P. Motavalli, R.J. Kremer, and S.H. Anderson. 2005. Soil carbon dioxide efflux from a claypan soil affected by surface compaction and applications of poultry litter. Agric. Ecosyst. Environ. 109:75-86.
  • Rachman, A., S.H. Anderson, and C.J. Gantzer. 2005. Computed-tomographic measurement of soil macroporosity parameters as affected by stiff-stemmed grass hedges. Soil Sci. Soc. Am. J. 69:1609-1616.
  • Seobi, T., S.H. Anderson, R.P. Udawatta, and C.J. Gantzer. 2005. Influence of grass and agroforestry buffer strips on soil hydraulic properties for an Albaqualf. Soil Sci. Soc. Am. J. 69:893-901.
  • Anderson, S.H., R.P. Udawatta, T. Seobi, and H.E. Garrett. 2005. Soil water content and infiltration in agroforestry buffer strips. pp. 1-17. In K.N. Brooks and P.F. Ffolliott (ed.) Moving agroforestry into the mainstream. The 9th North American Agroforestry Conference Proceedings, June 12-15, 2005, St. Paul, Minnesota. Dept. of Forest Resources, University of Minnesota, St. Paul, MN. [CD-ROM]
  • Hoilett, N.O., J. Yang, R.J. Kremer, S.H. Anderson, and F. Eivazi. 2005. Microbial properties as affected by in situ phosphate treatments in lead contaminated urban soils. 2005 Am. Soc. of Agron. Annual Meetings Abstracts [CD-ROM].
  • Jung, W.K., N.R. Kitchen, K. Sudduth, R.J. Kremer, S.H. Anderson, and E.J. Sadler. 2005. Crop management impacts on claypan soil quality. 2005 Am. Soc. of Agron. Annual Meetings Abstracts [CD-ROM].
  • Lin, C.H., R.N. Lerch, H.E. Garrett, C.J. Gantzer, S.H. Anderson, and M.F. George. 2005. Evaluating effectiveness of three grass buffer designs in reducing atrazine, metolachlor and glyphosate transport in surface runoff. 2005 Am. Soc. of Agron. Annual Meetings Abstracts [CD-ROM].
  • Udawatta, R., S. Anderson, and H. Garrett. 2005. Tree, grass and crop root length densities and soil water content within an agroforestry system. North American Agroforestry Conference Abstracts, Rochester, Minnesota.
  • Anderson, S.H., C.H. Ok, E.H. Ervin, and B.S. Fresenburg. 2005. Rootzone water content and drought stress tolerance of creeping bentgrass in selected putting green construction systems. International Turfgrass Research Conference Abstracts, Llandudno, Wales.
  • Seobi, T., S.H. Anderson, R.P. Udawatta, and C.J. Gantzer. 2005. Soil water content as influenced by agroforestry and grass buffer contour strips in a claypan soil. Soil Science Society of South Africa Congress Abstracts, Potchefstroom, South Africa.
  • Anderson, S.H., R.P. Udawatta, T. Seobi, and H.E. Garrett. 2005. Influence of agroforestry buffer strips on infiltration and soil water content. North American Agroforestry Conference Abstracts, Rochester, Minnesota.
  • Anderson, S.H., R.J. Kremer, and N. Mungai. 2005. Soil physical, microbial enzyme, and molecular characterization of native prairie and agricultural ecosystems. 2005 Am. Soc. of Agron. Annual Meetings Abstracts [CD-ROM].
  • Merchan Paniagua, S., P.P. Motavalli, S.H. Anderson, K.A. Nelson, and E.J. Sadler. 2005. Slow-release N fertilizer to control nitrogen losses due to spatial and climatic differences in soil moisture conditions and drainage. 2005 Am. Soc. of Agron. Annual Meetings Abstracts [CD-ROM].
  • Motavalli, P.P., K.A. Nelson, N.R. Kitchen, S.H. Anderson, P. Scharf, and P. Tracy. 2005. Variable source N fertilizer applications to optimize crop N use efficiency. 2005 Am. Soc. of Agron. Annual Meetings Abstracts [CD-ROM].
  • Rabiou, N., C.J. Gantzer, A.L. Thompson, and S.H. Anderson. 2005. Polyacrylamide application for upland erosion control. 2005 Am. Soc. of Agron. Annual Meetings Abstracts [CD-ROM].
  • Udawatta, R.P., H.E. Garrett, S.H. Anderson. 2005. Agroforestry practices improve water quality: a paired watershed comparison. 2005 Am. Soc. of Agron. Annual Meetings Abstracts [CD-ROM].
  • Udawatta, R.P., S.H. Anderson, P.P. Motavalli, and H.E. Garrett. 2005. Calibration of reflectometer sensors for claypan soils. 2005 Am. Soc. of Agron. Annual Meetings Abstracts [CD-ROM].


Progress 01/01/04 to 12/31/04

Outputs
Fractal analysis of soil structure is a relatively new method in soil science for comparing the effects of management on soil properties. Forest and agricultural management systems often have significant effects on soil properties including soil structure. Evaluation of soil structure using fractal analysis will provide an additional index for quantifying the effects of management systems on soil quality. The objective of this work was to explore several methods of studying images to describe and quantify structure of soils under forest and agricultural management. This research used computed tomography (CT) and a topological method called Multiple Resolution Blankets (MRB) to quantify soil structure. Differences among the signatures of macro-pore scale soil density were explored in intact cores removed under forest canopies and hay crop management as well as re-packed soil with two different aggregate sizes. The MRB topological signatures were used to classify the different structures among four soil treatments. The MRB signatures were better able to separate treatment differences than the box-counting method that has been used in the past. The MRB method showed greater discrimination between intact and sieved soil compared to the box-counting method. Future work is suggested for using these techniques in comparing the effects of forest and agricultural management systems on soil structure.

Impacts
Soil structure is an important soil quality parameter sensitive to management systems. Structure is useful in assisting with predicting soil hydraulic conductivity which is essential in understanding hydrologic responses in watershed systems. This study was designed to use an index of fractal dimension to quantify differences in soil structure within soil cores from medical tomographic scans. Applications of this study include a better understanding of forest and agricultural management effects on changes in pore size distributions and soil structure.

Publications

  • Udawatta, R.P., S.H. Anderson, C.J. Gantzer, and T. Seobi. 2004. Agroforestry and grass buffer effects on CT-measured macropore characteristics. 2004 Am. Soc. Agron. Annual Meetings Abstracts [CD-ROM, #3776, pdf]
  • Seobi, T. 2004. Soil hydraulic properties as influenced by grass and agroforestry contour buffer strips. M.S. Thesis, Univ. of Missouri-Columbia. 107 pp.
  • Gantzer, C.J., S.H. Anderson, and S. Assouline. 2004. Synchrotron CMT-measured soil physical properties influenced by soil compaction. 32nd International Geological Conference Abstracts Part 1, Scientific Sessions, pg. 446 [CD-ROM].
  • Pengthamkeerati, P., P. P. Motavalli, R.J. Kremer, and S.H. Anderson. 2004. The impact of compaction and organic amendments on soil physical and biological properties. 2004 Am. Soc. of Agron. Annual Meetings Abstracts [CD-ROM, #6248, pdf]
  • Rabiou, N., C.J. Gantzer, S.H. Anderson, and A.L. Thompson. 2004. Guidelines for polyacrylamide application to control soil erosion in highly disturbed areas. Soil and Water Conservation Society Annual Meetings Abstracts.
  • Rachman, A., P. Los, S.H. Anderson, C.J. Gantzer, and E.E. Alberts. 2004. Soil hydraulic properties influenced by stiff-stemmed grass hedge systems on loess hills. 2004 Missouri Natural Resources Conference Abstracts.
  • Blanco-Canqui, H., C.J. Gantzer, S.H. Anderson, and E.E. Alberts. 2004. Grass barriers for reduced concentrated flow induced soil and nutrient loss. Soil Sci. Soc. Am. J. 68:1963-1972.
  • Blanco-Canqui, H., C.J. Gantzer, S.H. Anderson, and E.E. Alberts. 2004. Tillage and crop influences on physical properties for an Epiaqualf. Soil Sci. Soc. Am. J. 68:567-576.
  • Blanco-Canqui, H., C.J. Gantzer, S.H. Anderson, E.E. Alberts, and A.L. Thompson. 2004. Grass barrier and vegetative filter strip effectiveness in reducing runoff, sediment, nitrogen, and phosphorous loss. Soil Sci. Soc. Am. J. 68:1670-1678.
  • Blanco-Canqui, H., C.J. Gantzer, S.H. Anderson, and A.L. Thompson. 2004. Soil berms as an alternative to steel plate borders for runoff plots. Soil Sci. Soc. Am. J. 68:1689-1694.
  • Rachman, A., S.H. Anderson, C.J. Gantzer, and E.E. Alberts. 2004. Soil hydraulic properties influenced by stiff-stemmed grass hedge systems. Soil Sci. Soc. Am. J. 68:1386-1393.
  • Rachman, A., S.H. Anderson, C.J. Gantzer, and A.L. Thompson. 2004. Influence of stiff-stemmed grass hedge systems on infiltration. Soil Sci. Soc. Am. J. 68:2000-2006.
  • Rachman, A., S.H. Anderson, C.J. Gantzer, and A.L. Thompson. 2004. Influence of long-term cropping systems on soil physical properties related to soil erodibility. Ag Professional, Summer 2004:30-34.
  • Los, P., S. Anderson, E. Alberts, and C. Gantzer. 2004. Vegetative stiff-stemmed grass barriers in the Long Branch Watershed. Final Report. 18 pp., School of Natural Resources, University of Missouri-Columbia.
  • Motavalli, P., and S. Anderson. 2004. Improved nitrogen fertilizer recommendations for soils incorporating a simple measurement of soil physical properties. p. 36-40, Missouri Soil Fertility and Fertilizers Update, Agronomy Miscellaneous Publ. #04-01, University of Missouri, Columbia.
  • Motavalli, P., K. Nelson, S. Anderson, and J. Sadler. 2004. Use of slow release N fertilizer. 2004 Field Day Report for Greenley Memorial Research Center, pp. 52-54. Greenley Memorial Research Center, Univ. of Missouri-Columbia.
  • Udawatta, R., S. Anderson, H. Garrett and T. Seobi. 2004. Influence of agroforestry buffer strips on soil water. 2004 Field Day Report for Greenley Memorial Research Center, pp. 28-31. Greenley Memorial Research Center, Univ. of Missouri-Columbia.
  • Anderson, S.H., Z. Cheng, A. Rachman, and C.J. Gantzer. 2004. Porosity signatures for quantifying soil CT images. 2004 Am. Soc. of Agron. Annual Meetings Abstracts [CD-ROM, #4662, pdf]
  • Gantzer, C.J., S.H. Anderson, and S. Assouline. 2004. Computed microtomography for assessing changes in porosity with compaction. 2004 Am. Soc. of Agron. Annual Meetings Abstracts [CD-ROM, #4761, pdf]


Progress 01/01/03 to 12/31/03

Outputs
Heterogeneities are common in natural porous media and are present on different scales. Use of X-ray computed tomography (CT) may provide a tool for quantifying small-scale heterogeneities in porosity and hydraulic conductivity in porous media. Porosity and saturated hydraulic conductivity distributions were estimated using CT for a series of undisturbed soil core samples taken from a field site. CT measurements were collected during breakthrough experiments using an iodide tracer. Techniques were developed to estimate porosity and hydraulic conductivity from solute breakthrough data. Results were compared with bulk sample measurements. CT-measured porosity compared well with laboratory-measured porosity. Hydraulic conductivity estimated from CT methods slightly overestimated laboratory-measured values. These techniques provide a method to quantify the spatially variable porosity and hydraulic conductivity on a millimetre scale rather than on a core-averaged scale. Chemical transport through the soil was predicted using a finite element method for each core using the CT-measured soil properties. Comparisons between measured and predicted chemical transport suggest that small-scale heterogeneities cause departures between measured and simulated solute breakthrough curves, and that a smaller grid size may be needed to improve the simulation.

Impacts
Soil hydraulic conductivity is one of the most important parameters necessary for accurately predicting runoff and leaching events within watersheds. This study was designed to use a small-scale system to estimate hydraulic conductivity within soil cores from medical tomographic scans. Applications of this study include a better understanding of management effects on changes in pore sizes and their subsequent effects on hydraulic properties.

Publications

  • Seobi, T., S.H. Anderson, R.P. Udawatta, and C.J. Gantzer. 2003. Influence of agroforestry buffer strips on soil hydraulic properties and infiltration. 2003 Am. Soc. of Agron. Annual Meetings Abstracts [CD-ROM, S06-seobi197060]
  • Ok, C.H. 2003. Amendments and construction systems for improving the performance of sand-based putting greens. Ph.D. Dissertation, Univ. of Missouri-Columbia. 162 pp.
  • Rachman, A. 2003. Influence of grass hedges on soil hydraulic properties, runoff and soil erosion in a small watershed. Ph.D. Dissertation, Univ. of Missouri-Columbia. 203 pp.
  • Anderson, S.H., H. Wang, R.L. Peyton, and C.J. Gantzer. 2003. Estimation of porosity and hydraulic conductivity from x-ray CT-measured solute breakthrough. In F. Mees, R. Swennen, M. Van Geet, & P. Jacobs (eds.) Applications of X-ray Computed Tomography in the Geosciences. Geological Society of London. Special Publication 215:135-149.
  • Motavalli, P.P., S.H. Anderson, and P. Pengthamkeerati. 2003. Surface compaction and poultry litter effects on corn growth, nitrogen availability and physical properties of a claypan soil. Field Crops Research. 84:303-318.
  • Motavalli, P.P., S.H. Anderson, and P. Pengthamkeerati, and C.J. Gantzer. 2003. Use of soil cone penetrometers to detect the effects of compaction and organic amendments in claypan soils. Soil and Tillage Research. 74(2):103-114.
  • Ok, C.H., S.H. Anderson, and E.H. Ervin. 2003. Amendments and construction systems for improving the performance of sand-based putting greens. Agron. J. 95:1583-1590.
  • Rachman, A., S.H. Anderson, C.J. Gantzer, and A.L. Thompson. 2003. Influence of long-term cropping systems on soil physical properties related to soil erodibility. Soil Sci. Soc. Am. J. 67:637-644.
  • Cheng, Z., S.H. Anderson, C.J. Gantzer and J.W. Van Sambeek. 2003. Soil structure characterized using compouted tomographic images. p. 368-374. In Van Sambeek, J.W.; Dawson, Jeffrey O.; Ponder, Felix, Jr.; Loewenstein, Edward F.; Fralish, James S., eds. 2003. Proceedings, Thirteenth Central Hardwood Forest conference; 2002 April 1-3; Urbana, IL. Gen. Tech. Rep. NC-234. St. Paul, MN: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, North Central Research Station.
  • Cheng, Z., and S.H. Anderson. 2003. Image analysis by adaptive grayscale morphological operators. pp. 1-6 [CD-ROM], Proceedings of International Conference on Advances in Internet, Processing, Systems, and Interdisciplinary Research. October 4-11, Sveti Stefan, Montenegro.
  • Ok, C.H., and S. Anderson. 2003. Top Soil - The effects of soil amendments and construction methods on bentgrass quality. Grounds Maintenance 38(6):Golf Section G1-G8.
  • Garrett, G., S. Anderson, P. Motavalli, and R. Udawatta. 2003. Agroforestry practices benefit landowners and the environment. 2003 Field Day Report for Greenley Memorial Research Center. pp. 9-12. Greenley Memorial Research Center, Univ. of Missouri-Columbia.
  • Los, P., S. Anderson, C. Gantzer, G. Alberts. 2003. Beautiful barriers: Decreasing sediment and run-off from highly erodible soils. 2003 Field Day Report for Greenley Memorial Research Center. p. 6. Greenley Memorial Research Center, Univ. of Missouri-Columbia.
  • Blanco-Canqui, H., C.J. Gantzer, S.H. Anderson, and E.E. Alberts. 2003. Reduced concentrated flow erosion using grass barriers. 2003 Am. Soc. of Agron. Annual Meetings Abstracts [CD-ROM, S06-blancocanqui.pdf]
  • Cheng, Z., and S.H. Anderson. 2003. Image analysis by adaptive grayscale morphological operators. International Conference on Advances in Internet, Processing, Systems, and Interdisciplinary Research. October 4-11, Sveti Stefan, Montenegro. Book of Abst. p. 13.
  • Jung, W., N.R. Kitchen, K.A. Sudduth, R.J. Kremer, P.P. Motavalli, S.H. Anderson, and E.E. Alberts. 2003. Sensor-based EC as a measure of soil quality on claypan soils. 2003 Am. Soc. of Agon. Abstracts [CD-ROM, A08-jung129006]
  • Jung, W., N.R. Kitchen, K.A. Sudduth, R.J. Kremer, P.P. Motavalli, S.H. Anderson, and E.E. Alberts. 2003. Spatial characteristics of soil quality indicators on claypan soils. 2003 Am. Soc. of Agon. Abstracts [CD-ROM, A08-jung386757]
  • Rachman, A., S.H. Anderson, L.A. Kramer, E.E. Alberts, and C.J. Gantzer. 2003. Predicting runoff and soil erosion from a stiff-stemmed grass hedge system in a small watershed. 2003 Am. Soc. of Agron. Annual Meetings Abstracts [CD-ROM, A05-andersons290517]


Progress 01/01/02 to 12/31/02

Outputs
Soil hydraulic conductivity is an important parameter used in many applications ranging from watershed management to hazardous waste site remediation. The objective of this study was to utilize a fuzzy rule-based system to predict soil hydraulic conductivity from computed tomographic (CT) images of soil structure in intact cores. Forty undisturbed soil cores (76 mm long x 76 mm diam.) were taken from four depths of a Mexico silt loam (Aeric Vertic Epiaqualf) under continuous grass cover. The X-ray CT scanner used in the study was a GE scanner with a resolution of 0.1- by 0.1- by 2 mm. Eight CT scans were taken within each soil core and were separated by an 8 mm distance. CT images were analyzed by a multiple resolution blanket method (MRB). The MRB method is a multi-fractal estimator that was used to discriminate between the relative density of scan images. Three regions of the MRB curves were characterized that were related to the relative macropore-scale pore sizes. Relationships characterized by the MRB signature curves were reasoned by the fuzzy logic method. Each input variable was fuzzified and subsequently used in the fuzzy inference engine to make decisions. Crisp outputs were obtained by defuzzification. Fuzzy logic methods were shown to be useful for predicting hydraulic conductivity from CT images. The estimated hydraulic conductivity values (log transformed) were linearly correlated (r = 0.79) to the measured core values. The fuzzy logic model in this study was experimentally independent and was based on principles from image analysis of CT scans.

Impacts
Soil hydraulic conductivity is one of the most important parameters necessary for accurately predicting runoff events within watersheds. This study was designed to use a fuzzy logic system to predict hydraulic conductivity from medical tomographic scan images of soil cores. Applications of this study include a better understanding of management effects on changes in pore sizes and their subsequent effects on hydraulic properties.

Publications

  • Blanco-Canqui, H., C.J. Gantzer, S.H. Anderson, E.E. Alberts, and F. Ghidey. 2002. Saturated hydraulic conductivity and its impact on simulated runoff for claypan soils. Soil Sci. Soc. Am. J. 66:1596-1602.
  • Gantzer, C.J., and S.H. Anderson. 2002. Computed tomographic measurement of macroporosity in chisel-disk and no-tillage seedbeds. Soil and Tillage Res. 64:101-111.
  • Rachman, A., P. Los, S.H. Anderson, C.J. Gantzer, and E.E. Alberts. 2002. Water infiltration as influenced by stiff-stemmed grass hedges. J. Soil and Water Conserv. 57:311-312.
  • Anderson, S.H., C.J. Gantzer, and Z. Cheng. 2002. Determination of soil hydraulic conductivity with MRB signatures from X-ray CT scan images. [CD-ROM] Transactions of 17th World Congress of Soil Sci., Symposium 35, Paper Number 814, pages 1-8, 14-21 August, Bangkok, Thailand.
  • Follis, C.C., J.H. Dunn, S.H. Anderson, and B.S. Fresenburg. 2002. Root zone blends for safe and effective sand-based athletic fields. 2002 Turfgrass Research and Information Report. pp. 17-23. MU Turfgrass Research Center, Univ. of Missouri-Columbia.
  • Los, P. and S.H. Anderson. 2002. Stiff-stemmed grasses for erosion control demonstration/research project. p. 4 In W.R. Kurtz (ed.) Missouri Watershed Initiative Update. Univ. of Missouri. Columbia, MO.
  • Los, P., S. Anderson, C. Gantzer, and G. Alberts. 2002. Vegetative barriers: Decreasing sediment and run-off from highly erodible soils. 2002 Field Day Report for Greenley Memorial Research Center. pp. 30-31. Greenley Memorial Research Center, Univ. of Missouri-Columbia.
  • Ok, C.H., S.H. Anderson, E.H. Ervin, B.S. Fresenberg, J.H. Dunn, and C.C. Follis. 2002. Amendments and construction systems for improving the performance of sand-based greens. 2002 Turfgrass Research and Information Report. pp. 6-10. MU Turfgrass Research Center, Univ. of Missouri-Columbia.
  • Anderson, S.H., C.J. Gantzer, and Z. Cheng. 2002. Determination of soil hydraulic conductivity with MRB signatures from X-ray CT scan images. 17th World Congress of Soil Science Abstracts 3:1185, 14-21 August, 2002, Bangkok, Thailand.
  • Blanco-Canqui, H., C.J. Gantzer, S.H. Anderson, E.E. Alberts, A.L. Thompson. 2002. Grass barriers and vegetative filter strips for soil and water conservation. 2002 Am. Soc. of Agron. Annual Meetings Abstracts [CD-ROM, S06-blancocanqui133423-P~4d.pdf]
  • Cheng, Z., S.H. Anderson, C.J. Gantzer, and J.W. Van Sambeek. 2002. Soil structure under forest management characterized using computed tomographic images. 13th Central Hardwood Forest Conference Abstracts.
  • Pengthamkeerati, P., P.P. Motavalli, R.J. Kremer, and S.H. Anderson. 2002. In-field carbon dioxide efflux in compacted soils amended with poultry litter. 2002 Am. Soc. of Agron. Annual Meetings Abstracts [CD-ROM, S03-penthamkeerati-P.pdf]
  • Rachman, A., P. Los, S.H. Anderson, C.J. Gantzer, and E.E. Alberts. 2002. Water infiltration as influenced by stiff-stemmed grass hedges. 2002 Soil and Water Conservation Society Conference Abstracts.
  • Rachman, A., S.H. Anderson, E.E. Alberts, and C.J. Gantzer. 2002. Soil hydraulic properties influenced by stiff-stemmed grass hedges. 2002 Am. Soc. of Agon. Annual Meetings Abstracts [CD-ROM, S06-anderson092819-Poster.pdf]
  • Los, P., S. Anderson, C. Gantzer, and G. Alberts. 2002. The use of native warm season stiff-stemmed grasses in vegetative barriers for erosion control on row crop land. 2002 North American Prairie Conference Abstracts.


Progress 01/01/01 to 12/31/01

Outputs
Quantifying decreases in soil water content or water drawdown near root systems is important for evaluating the ability of plants to extract water during dessicated soil conditions. Computed tomography (CT) was applied in this study to measure water drawdown near radish (Raphanus sativus) root systems. The objective of the study was to evaluate drawdown in soil water content associated with radish roots at initial soil water contents of 0.3 vol/vol and 0.1 vol/vol, respectively. Decreasing soil water content results in an increase in the appearance of "beam hardening". Decreasing soil water content from 0.3 to 0.1 vol/vol caused the transpiration rate to decrease by 6 to 10 times. This was presumably due to a reduction in the water potential gradient across the root membrane. The transpiration rate decreased less rapidly than did the water content at the soil-root interface suggesting some osmotic adjustment by the leaves. This osmotic adjustment would allow the plant to maintain a transpiration rate even at relatively low soil water content. The drawdown distances associated with roots growing at the lower soil water content were eight times smaller than those at the high soil water content and the value of soil water content at the soil-root interface at the end of the transpiration period was 2.5 times lower. The radish roots exhibited a temporary slight decrease in diameter after the transpiration commenced followed by a significant temporary increase. However, root diameter stabilized around its original diameter when the plant attained an almost steady water uptake rate. Despite the complexity arising from "beam hardening", CT scanning can provide valuable information on processes at the root/soil interface.

Impacts
Quantifying water drawdown near plant roots is important for evaluating plant water extraction patterns during dessicated soil conditions. This study was designed to evaluate the effects of initial soil water content on water drawdown and plant transpiration. Applications of this study include use of this experimental tool to better understand spatial root water extraction patterns for economically important plant species.

Publications

  • Cheng, Z., S.H. Anderson, C.J. Gantzer, and Y. Chu. 2001. Fuzzy logic for predicting soil hydraulic conductivity using CT images. Intelligent Engineering Systems Through Artificial Neural Networks 11:307-312.
  • Gantzer, C.J., and S.H. Anderson. 2001. CT measurement of macroporosity in chisel-disk and no-tillage seedbeds. Soil and Tillage Research 64:101-111.
  • Follis, C.C., J.H. Dunn, E.H. Ervin, S.H. Anderson, and B.S. Fresenberg. 2001. Root-zone blends for safe and effective sand-based athletic fields. Sports Turf Managers Assoc. 12th Annual Conference Abst.
  • Motavalli, P.P., S.H. Anderson, R.J. Kremer, W.E. Stevens, and D. Dunn. 2001. Effects of surface and subsoil compaction on nitrogen availability and carbon transformations. 2001 Am. Soc. of Agron. Annual Meetings Abstracts [CD-ROM, S04-MO~4.PDF].
  • Hamza, M.A., S.H. Anderson, and L.A.G. Aylmore. 20001. Studies of soil water drawdown by single radish roots at decreasing soil water content using computer assisted tomography. Australian J. of Soil Research 39:1387-1396.
  • Los, P., S. Anderson, C. Gantzer, and G. Alberts. 2001. Beautiful barriers: Decreasing sediment and runoff from highly erodible soils. J. Soil and Water Cons. Soc. 56:381-382.
  • Zhu, J.C., C.J. Gantzer, S.H. Anderson, R.L. Peyton, and E.E. Alberts. 2001. Comparison of concentrated-flow detachment equations for low shear stress. Soil and Tillage Research 61:203-212.
  • Los, P., S.H. Anderson, and C.J. Gantzer. 2001. Vegetative barriers for erosion control. 4 pp., MU Extention Guide (G 1653).
  • Anderson, S.H., H. Wang, R.L. Peyton, and C.J. Gantzer. 2001. Simulation of 3-D chemical transport in heterogeneous soil cores using X-ray CT. European Union of Geosciences XI, Symposium SS03 Applications of Computerised X-ray Tomography in Geology and Related Domains. p. 780.
  • Ok, C.H., S.H. Anderson, E.H. Ervin, B. Fresenberg, J.H. Dunn, and C.C. Follis. 2001. Amendments and construction systems for improving the performance of sand-based greens. 2001 Turfgrass Research and Information Report. pp. 19-22. MU Turfgrass Research Center, Univ. of Missouri-Columbia.
  • Anderson, S.H., H.V. Kazemi, and C.J. Gantzer. 2001. Spatial variability of bromide and atrazine leaching in an alluvial soil. 2001 Am. Soc. of Agron. Annual Meetings Abstracts [CD-ROM, S01-AN~1.PDF].
  • Cheng, Z., S.H. Anderson, C.J. Gantzer, and Y. Chu. 2001. Fuzzy logic for predicting soil hydraulic conductivity using CT images. Artificial Neural Networks in Engineering Conf. Abst.
  • Los, P., S. Anderson, C. Gantzer, and G. Alberts. 2001. The use of stiff-stemmed warm season grasses in vegetative barriers for erosion control on row crop land. Missouri Natural Resources Conf. Abst.
  • Ok, C., E.H. Ervin, S.H. Anderson, and J.H. Dunn. 2001. Amendments and construction systems for improving performance of sand-based greens. 2001 Am. Soc. of Agron. Annual Meetings Abstracts [CD-ROM, C05-AN~1.PDF].


Progress 01/02/00 to 12/31/00

Outputs
A study was conducted to evaluate the effects of 104 years of continuous crop management and annual manure applications on aggregate stability, splash detachment, and soil shear strength on Sanborn Field. Intact soil samples (7.5 cm i.d. x 7.5 cm long) from plots under continuous corn (Zea mays), continuous wheat (Triticum aestivum), continuous timothy (Phleum pratense), and a rotation of corn-wheat-red clover (Trifolium pratense) with manured (13.5 t/ha/yr) and unfertilized management were collected. The soil was Mexico silt loam (fine, montmorillonitic, mesic Aeric Vertic Epiaqualfs) with varying degrees of erosion. A single sieve method was used to test aggregate stability, a single-drop rainfall simulator was used to test soil splash detachment, and the fall cone method was used to measure soil shear strength. Determinations were made for each season throughout one year. Results indicate that crop treatment was found to significantly affect aggregate stability (P>0.001), soil shear strength (P>0.01), and splash detachment (P>0.01). Soil managed under continuous timothy had three to four times higher aggregate stability, 21% to 27% higher soil strength, and 55 to 67% less soil splash compared to the continuous wheat and corn. The rotation had 15% higher soil strength and 40% lower splash detachment compared to continuous corn and wheat. Season of the year was found to significantly affect all soil properties measured. The highest aggregate stability was found during July for all treatments. Splash detachment was found to be more sensitive than the other soil parameters to crop management and season indicating that splash detachment can be a good predictor of soil erodibility. Crop and soil management practices that continuously accumulate soil residues on the soil surface can effectively improve soil quality by increasing the stability of soil aggregates, soil shear strength, and the resistance of soil to splash detachment.

Impacts
Crop and soil management practices that continuously accumulate soil residues on the soil surface can effectively improve soil quality by increasing the stability of soil aggregates, soil shear strength, and the resistance of soil to splash detachment. Enhanced soil quality will improve a soil's resistance to soil erosion and potential loss in productivity.

Publications

  • Los, P., Anderson, S., Gantzer, C., and Alberts, G. 2000. The use of narrow vegetative barriers for controlling sediment and herbicide runoff losses as an alternative to cool season grasses in row crop situations. J. Soil and Water Conserv. 55:404.
  • Los, P., Anderson, S., Gantzer, C., and Alberts, G. 2000. Protecting soil and water resources: Vegetative barriers for sediment control. Missouri Watersheds Conference - "Protecting Our Natural Resources" Abst. Missouri Department of Natural Resources, 7-9 Sept., Osage Beach, Missouri.
  • Yakimenko, E., and Anderson, S.H. 2000. Changes in soil water properties under different types of management: Forest, forest-meadow, and meadow. Third International Congress on Soil Conservation Abst., 27 March-1 April, Valencia, Spain.
  • Cheng, Z., Gantzer, C.J., and Anderson, S.H. 2000. Evaluation of soil structure using multiple resolution blankets of computed tomographic images. Agon. Abst. p. 209.
  • Cheng, Z. 2000. Characterization of soil structure using multiple resolution blankets of CT-measured density. M.S. Thesis, University of Missouri-Columbia. 118 pp.


Progress 01/01/99 to 12/31/99

Outputs
Heterogeneous porous media presents serious problems in accurately predicting solute transport. Fractal geometry provides a tool to quantify the soil heterogeneity at a variety of scales. Computed tomography (CT) which has been used in dynamic flow experiments can provide detailed data sets of solute transport parameters such as pore-water velocity and dispersivity for undisturbed soil cores. The objective of this study was to evaluate whether solute transport parameters measured in undisturbed soil cores using CT were fractal and to determine the fractal dimension and lacunarity of these solute transport parameters. CT-measured breakthrough curve experiments were conducted in columns of undisturbed samples from the surface horizon of Sarpy loamy sand (mixed, mesic Typic Udipsamment). The 1.0% (g/g) iodide breakthrough experiments were conducted using a Siemens SOMATOM DRH CT scanner. The voxel size was 0.5 by 0.5 mm by 2.0 mm. Based on the breakthrough curve for each pixel, the pore-water velocity and dispersivity were determined. Porosity, pore-water velocity, and dispersivity determined from CT-measured breakthrough curves were found to be fractal. The fractal dimensions estimated from a box counting method for pore-water velocity ranged from 2.2 to 2.4 and the fractal dimensions of dispersivity ranged from 2.4 to 2.7 for the undisturbed soil cores. Lacunarity was found to be useful in discriminating between CT-measured transport parameters for different undisturbed soil cores with similar fractal dimensions. The results of fractal analysis also indicated that it is necessary to use both fractal dimension and lacunarity to discriminate between spatial distributions of the solute transport parameters.

Impacts
(N/A)

Publications

  • Gantzer, C.J., S.H. Anderson, R.L. Peyton and Y. Li. 1999. Validation of quasi-static electro-magnetic resistivity surveys for 3-D imaging of subsurface DNAPL contamination. Report to Naval Facilities Engineering Service Center, 54 pp.
  • Los, P., S.H. Anderson, C.J. Gantzer, and E.E. Alberts. 1999. Stiff-stemmed grass hedge study to control erosion and improve surface water quality. Report for Missouri Watershed Initiative Advisory Council Meeting, 2 pp., April 16, Columbia, Missouri.
  • Rachman, A., S.H. Anderson, C.J. Gantzer, and A.L. Thompson. 1999. Influence of long term cropping systems on aggregate stability. Agron. Abst. p. 181.


Progress 01/01/98 to 12/31/98

Outputs
X-ray computed tomography (CT) has been utilized during the past few years for the evaluation of soil and root processes. The objective of this study was to quantify in situ root shrinkage and recovery using X-ray CT. Radish seeds (Raphanus sativa cv. White Icicle) and Lupin seeds (Lupinus angustifolius cv. Yandee) were germinated and transplanted into soil columns (4.5 cm diam by 12 cm long). The soil in the columns consisted of a mix of 85% Bassendean sand and 15% Clackline kaolinite from Western Australia. The single-root radish and lupin plants were grown under laboratory conditions with artificial lights. Radish roots were grown for 30 days and lupin roots for 23 days. Replicated columns were subjected to -100, -500, -1000, -1500, and -2000 kPa osmotic solutions. Each pot was subsequently scanned at 3 cm from the top of the soil column using a Somatom DR/H X-ray CT scanner. After scanning, the columns were flushed with the original nutrient solution. After a 24 hour period, the columns were rescanned at the same position. The shrinkage and recovery in root cross sections were determined subsequent to scanning. Shrinkage results for radish roots were 1.4, 20.8, 34.4, 55.2, and 72.3% for the -100, -500, -1000, -1500, and -2000 kPa osmotic solutions, respectively. Results for lupin roots were -2.6, 18.0, 31.0, 36.8, and 54.0% for the -100, -500, -1000, -1500, and -2000 kPa osmotic solutions, respectively. There appeared to be a linear increase in root shrinkage for both radish and lupin roots with decreasing osmotic potential; however, radish roots seemed to be more sensitive compared to the lupin roots at low osmotic potentials. Radish roots recovered most of their lost cross-sectional area subsequent to flushing with the nutrient solution. However, lupin roots were unable to recover any significant cross-sectional area subsequent to flushing with the nutrient solution. Lupin roots were injured permanently by the -2000 kPa osmotic solution and died.

Impacts
(N/A)

Publications

  • Gantzer, C.J., Y. Zeng, S.H. Anderson, and R.L. Peyton. 1998. Fractal dimension and lacunarity of a claypan soil as affected by drying. Symposium Summaries of 16th World Congress of Soil Science, 20-26 August, Montpellier, France, Vol. 1:48.
  • Hamza, M.A., S.H. Anderson, and L.A.G. Aylmore. 1998. Water drawdown by single radish roots at high and low water content using CT. Agron. Abst. p. 175.
  • Kazemi, H.V., J.S. Morris, S.H. Anderson, C.J. Gantzer, and, G.A. Buyanovsky. 1998. Measurement of bromide ion used as solute-transport monitor via epithermal neutron activation analysis. J. Radioanalytical and Nuclear Chemistry Vol. 235(1-2):249-254.
  • Anderson, S.H., X. Liu, R.L. Peyton, and C.J. Gantzer. 1998. Fractal analysis of CT-measured solute transport parameters. [CD-ROM] Proceedings of 16th World Congress of Soil Science, Symposium 1, Paper Number 1101, pp. 1-7, August 20-26, Montpellier, France.
  • Anderson, S.H., X. Liu, R.L. Peyton, and C.J. Gantzer. 1998. Fractal analysis of CT-measured solute transport parameters. Symposium Summaries of 16th World Congress of Soil Science, 20-26 August, Montpellier, France, Vol. 1:21.


Progress 01/01/97 to 12/31/97

Outputs
The rapid transport of water and solute through desiccation soil cracks can lead to crop water and nutrient stress as well as ground and surface water contamination. This study hypothesized that desiccation cracking varies with landscape positions. Cracking was quantified at three landscape positions in a Mexico silt loam (fine, montmorillonitic, mesic Mollic Endoaqualf). The elevation changes of seven disks placed at 15-cm depth increments in the profile were measured to determine changes in soil layer thickness. Crack volume in the upper 90-cm profile was determined from thickness changes of the six soil layers. Disk elevation and soil profile water content measurements were made weekly during the crop season (April-November) in 1992 and 1994 on summit, back, and footslope positions. During both years, the backslope position profile developed the largest amount of crack volume (4.3 cm3 cm-2 in 1992, 4.8 cm3 cm-2 in 1994) and had the least amount of water depletion (10.0 cm3 cm-2 in 1992, 9.7 cm3 cm-2 in 1994). At the backslope pos Ap horizon and a shallow, clay-rich Bt horizon (both high in smectite clay) lead to these developments. Bt horizon clay contents as high as 64.4%, comprised of up to 75% smectite, produced the greatest volume reductions (41%) of aggregates from the Bt horizon compared with volume reductions of aggregates from the Ap and C horizons. Soil texture and mineralogy influenced the magnitude of desiccation soil cracking and water depletion.

Impacts
(N/A)

Publications

  • BAER, J.U., and S.H. ANDERSON. 1997. Landscape effects on dessication cracking in an Aqualf. Soil Sci. Soc. Am. J. 61:1497-1502.
  • KAZEMI, H.V., J.S. MORRIS, S.H. ANDERSON, C.J. GANTZER, & G.A. BUYANOVSKY. 1997. Measurement of bromide ion used as a solute-transport monitor via epithermal neutr Sym. on Meth. & Appl.


Progress 01/01/96 to 12/30/96

Outputs
An experiment was conducted to study the transport and degradation parameters ofselected herbicides under field conditions in a claypan soil in central Missouri. Soil samples were removed at selected dates after the initiation of the experiment for chemical analysis. Transport parameters were determined using the method of moments and a non-linear estimation routine. A method was developed to analyze soil samples for bromide at low concentrations using epithermal neutron activation analysis. This method provided quantitative results of bromide at low concentrations which is necessary for tracing the pathways of pesticide leaching via soil cracks. This method does not require extraction, and measures bromide in any chemical or physical state. Transport parameters were determined from the chemical concentrations and comparisons were made among the treatments. Preferential flow of atrazine and alachlor and a bromide tracer was found in the initially dry Mexico silt loam soil. The deeper movement of herbicides in the initially dry plots was attributed to the presence of cracks resulting from low soil water content. Knowledge of this information can be used in scheduling application of chemicals. The retardation factor estimated from soil properties was significantly higher than that estimated from the relative velocity of bromide to that of the pesticides. Degradation rates of the pesticides were higher in the initially wet plots compared to the initially dry plots.

Impacts
(N/A)

Publications

  • KASPAR, T., et at. 1996. Applications of root research methodologies by members of the CSREES Regional Committee NCR-60. 5th Int. Soc. Root Res. Conf. p. 147.
  • GANTZER, C.J., H. BLANCO, S.H. ANDERSON, and E.E. ALBERTS. 1996. Hydraulic conductivity and runoff for a claypan soil as influenced by management. Agron. Abst. p. 290.
  • ZENG, Y., C.J. GANTZER, R.L. PEYTON, and S.H. ANDERSON. 1996. Fractal dimension and lacunarity of bulk density determined with X-ray computed tomography. Soil Sci. Soc. Am. J. 1718-1724.
  • HAMZA, M.A., S.H. ANDERSON, and L.A.G. AYLMORE. 1996. Studies of root function using computer assisted tomography. Australian and New Zealand National Soils Conference, 1-4 July, Melbourne, Australia, Volume 3:97-98.
  • HAMZA, M. A., et al. 1996. Root shrinkage and recovery determined by X-ray computed tomography. 5th Int. Soc. Root Res. Conf. Abst. p. 134.


Progress 01/01/95 to 12/30/95

Outputs
The heterogeneous nature of porous media presents serious problems in accuratelypredicting solute transport through porous media. Fractal geometry provides a tool to quantify the soil heterogeneity at a variety of scales. The objectives of this study were: (i) determine the macropore-scale spatial semivariograms of the CT-measured porosity, pore-water velocity and dispersivity in cores containing selected sizes of glass beads and in cores containing undisturbed soil, and (ii) evaluate whether the solute transport parameters measured using CT are fractal; and if so, determine the fractal dimension and lacunarity of these solute transport parameters. CT-measured breakthrough curve experiments were conducted in columns of glass beads (1.4 - 8.0 mm diam.) and undisturbed soil cores taken from Sarpy loamy sand (mixed, mesic Typic Udipsamment). Breakthrough experiments with 1.0% (g/g) iodide and 1.35% (g/g) iodophenol were conducted. Based on the breakthrough curve for each pixel, the pore-water velocity, dispersivity and retardation were determined. The solute transport parameters were found to be spatially autocorrelated with varying ranges of autocorrelation. Porosity, pore-water velocity, dispersivity, and retardation determined from CT-measured breakthrough curves were found to be fractal. Fractual lacunarity was found to be useful in discriminating between CT-measured transport parameters for different undisturbed soil cores with similar fractal dimensions.

Impacts
(N/A)

Publications

  • Peyton, R.L., S.H. Anderson, and C.J. Gantzer. 1995. Termiticide leachate from building foundation drains. J. of Irrig. and Drainage Eng. 121:322-326.
  • Zhu, J.C., C.J. Gantzer, R.L. Peyton, E.E. Alberts, and S.H. Anderson. 1995. Simulated small channel bed scour and head cut erosion rates compared. Soil Sci. Soc. Am. J. 59:211-218.
  • Anderson, S.H., N.R. Kitchen, A.A. Prato, and E.E. Alberts. 1995. MSEA project background and goals. pp. 1-3, Proc. of 5th Water Quality Conference 2-3 Feb., Columbia, Missouri, Special Mo. Agric. Exp. Stn. Publication.
  • Baer, J.U., and S.H. Anderson. 1995. Vadose zone soil physical properties at the Missouri MSEA site. pp. 32-39, Proc. of 5th Water Quality Conference 2-3 Feb., Columbia, Missouri, Special Mo. Agric. Exp. Stn. Publication.
  • Baer, J.U. et al. 1995. Shrinkage cracks and chemical leaching in a Missouri claypan soil. Vol. I : 9-12. Proc. of Conference "Clean Water-Clean Environment-21st Century: Team Agriculture-Working to Protect Water Resources", ASAE.
  • Kazemi, H.V. et al. 1995. Bromide measurement via epithermal neutron activation analysis. pp. 40-48, Proc. of 5th Water Quality Conference 2-3 Feb., Columbia, Missouri, Special Mo. Agric. Exp. Stn. Publication.
  • Baer, J.U., and S.H. Anderson. 1995. Soil cracking and water content changes of a Missouri claypan soil. Agron. Abst. p. 205.


Progress 01/01/94 to 12/30/94

Outputs
Heterogeneities are common in natural porous media. They are present on different scales ranging from several hundred miles to a few millimeters. Using X-ray computed tomography (CT), the small-scale porosity distribution and chemical transport in nondestructive soil cores were measured. Three computer codes were developed: one for calculating the small-scale porosity distribution in natural soil cores from CT measurements; one for estimating the parameters of water and contaminant transport in porous media including values of small-scale hydraulic conductivity, dispersivity and adsorption coefficient for certain organic chemicals; and one for predicting three-dimensional chemical transport in porous media using a hybrid Lagrangian-Eulerian finite element method. The models were applied to a series of heterogeneous soil cores taken from a field near Columbia, Missouri. The input data consisted of CT scan data collected during breakthrough experiments using an iodide tracer. A series of laboratory experiments were conducted to establish an empirical formula between hydraulic conductivity and porosity. This formula along with six other empirical formulas from the literature were utilized to estimate the hydraulic conductivity distribution within the soil core by using the porosity distribution calculated from the CT data. Also calculated, using porosity data, were dispersivity and the adsorption coefficient in each volume element throughout the soil core.

Impacts
(N/A)

Publications

  • PEYTON, R.L., C.J. GANTZER, S.H. ANDERSON, B.A. HAEFFNER, and P. PFEIFER. 1994. Fractal dimension to describe soil macropore structure using x-ray computed tomography. Water Resour. Res. 30:691-700.
  • PEYTON, R.L., S.H. ANDERSON, C.J. GANTZER, J.W. WIGGER, D.J. HEINZE, and H. WANG. 1994. Soil-core breakthrough measured by X-ray computed tomography. In S.H. Anderson and J.W. Hopmans (eds.) Tomography for Soil-Water-Root Processes.
  • SPANNE, P., K.W. JONES, L.D. PRUNTY, and S.H. ANDERSON. 1994. Potential applications of synchrotron computed microtomography to soil science. In S.H. Anderson and J.W. Hopmans (eds.) Tomography for Soil-Water-Root Processes. Soil Sci. Soc.
  • ANDERSON, S.H., and X. LIU. 1994. X-ray computed tomography for measurement of solute transport properties. Paper No. 943583, 1994 Winter Meeting of Am. Soc. Agric. Eng., Atlanta, GA, 13-16 Dec., 22 pp.
  • ANDERSON, S.H., X. LIU, and C.J. GANTZER. 1994. Iodophenol transport in undisturbed soil cores measured using computed tomography. Trans. 15th World Cong. of Soil Sci. Vol. 3b:11-12. 10-16 July, Acapulco, Mexico.
  • BAER, J.U., and S.H. ANDERSON. 1994. Photographic image analysis to quantify crack features in a Mexico silt loam. pp. 48-54, Proc. of 4th Water Quality Conference 3 Feb., Columbia, Missouri, Special Mo. Agric. Exp. Stn. Publication.


Progress 01/01/93 to 12/30/93

Outputs
SEE MO-NRHC0216.

Impacts
(N/A)

Publications

  • No publications reported this period.