Using X-ray computed tomography to quantify variability in soil macropore characteristics in pastures

Budhathoki, Suman; Lamba, Jasmeet; Srivastava, Puneet; Malhotra, Kritika; Way, Thomas R.; Katuwal, Sheela

doi:10.1016/j.still.2021.105194

Cited by 14 publications

(5 citation statements)

References 61 publications

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“…Currently, several defining sizes of macropores are proposed, rather than a precise definition and pore size range (Cameira et al 2003;Kim et al 2010;Hu et al 2018;Budhathoki et al 2022;Aldaz-Lusarreta et al 2022). In this study, macropores were defined as the pores with diameters larger than 1 mm, whereas micropores were defined as smaller than 1 mm (Luxmoore 1981;Wilson and Luxmoore 1988).…”

Section: Measurementsmentioning

confidence: 95%

The higher relative concentration of K⁺ to Na⁺ in saline water improves soil hydraulic conductivity, salt leaching efficiency and structural stability

Yan

Zhang

et al. 2023

Preprint

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Abstract. Soil salinity and sodicity caused by saline water irrigation are widely observed globally. Clay dispersion and swelling are influenced by sodium (Na+) concentration and electrical conductivity (EC) of soil solution. Specifically, soil potassium (K+) also significantly affects soil structural stability, but which concern was rarely addressed in previous studies or irrigation practices. A soil column experiment was carried out to examine the effects of saline water with different relative concentrations of K+ to Na+, including K+/Na+ of 0:1 (K0Na1), 1:1 (K1Na1), 1:0 (K1Na0) at a constant EC (4 dS m-1), and deionized water as the control (CK), on soil physicochemical properties. The results indicated that at the constant EC of 4 dS m-1, the infiltration rate and water content were significantly (P < 0.05) affected by K+/Na+ values, K0Na1, K1Na1 and K1Na0 significantly (P < 0.05) reduced saturated hydraulic conductivity by 43.62 %, 29.04 % and 18.06 % respectively compared with CK. The volumetric water content was significantly (P < 0.05) higher in K0Na1 than CK at both 15 and 30 cm soil depths. K1Na1 and K1Na0 significantly (P < 0.05) reduced the desalination time and required leaching volume. K0Na1 and K1Na1 reached the desalination standard after the fifth and second infiltration, respectively, as K1Na0 did not exceed the bulk electrical conductivity required for desalination prerequisite throughout the whole infiltration cycle at 15 cm soil layer. Furthermore, due to the transformation of macropores into micropores spurred by clay dispersion, soil total porosity in K0Na1 dramatically decreased compared with CK, and K1Na0 even increased the proportion of soil macropores. The higher relative concentration of K+ to Na+ in applied water was more conducive to soil aggregate stability, alleviating the risk of macropores reduction caused by sodicity.

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Section: Measurementsmentioning

confidence: 95%

The higher relative concentration of K⁺ to Na⁺ in saline water improves soil hydraulic conductivity, salt leaching efficiency and structural stability

Yan

Zhang

et al. 2023

Preprint

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“…The soil columns were imaged using a medical scanner located at the Bailey Small Animal Teaching Hospital within the Auburn University College of Veterinary Medicine. The details of the image acquisition and processing are provided in Budhathoki et al, 2022aBudhathoki et al, , 2022b. Briefly, the soil columns were placed horizontally on the bench while scanning, and the machine would take up to 64 slices in one scan.…”

Section: Image Acquisition and Processingmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…The detailed X-ray CT image analysis was performed as a part of a larger study (Budhathoki et al, 2022a(Budhathoki et al, , 2022b. In this study, macropore characteristics were quantified for the 12 columns used.…”

Section: X-ray Ct Image Analysismentioning

confidence: 99%

“…However, the authors reported lower average loadings of DRP and TP in the surface runoff, measured to be 305 and 563 g ha −1 , respectively. In another study conducted on a pasture field in this region, dense macropore networks were observed, which can play an important role in the subsurface transport of nutrients (Budhathoki et al., 2022b). Further, examining nutrient transport in the Sand Mountain region is important, as it is a major broiler‐producing area in the state.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…The secondary objective was to link the nutrient transport to macropore characteristics deduced from X‐ray CT. The rationale behind these objectives was based on the previous investigation at the study site, which demonstrated that macropore characteristics varied at different topographical positions in the field (Budhathoki et al., 2022b). Quantification of nutrient transport in no‐till pasture soils would foster implementing precision litter management to minimize the environmental impact of local animal production activities.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Preferential flow of phosphorus and nitrogen under steady‐state saturated conditions

Malhotra,

Lamba,

Way

et al. 2024

Vadose Zone Journal

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Repeated broiler litter application on agricultural lands can cause nutrient enrichment of subsurface effluent, especially with the existence of preferential flow through soil macropores. Previous studies quantifying soil macropores have not attempted to establish a connection of soil macropore characteristics with the subsurface nutrient (nitrogen [N] and phosphorus [P]) losses, across different topographical locations in the field. This study investigated the effect of broiler litter application and preferential flow on subsurface nutrient transport (N and P) at different topographical positions (upslope, midslope, and downslope) in a no‐till pasture field located in Alabama, USA. Twelve intact soil columns (150 mm id and 500 mm length) were used, and the nutrient leaching measurements from laboratory experiments were linked to soil macropore characteristics quantified using X‐ray computed tomography image analysis and solute transport modeling. Treatments included surface broadcast broiler litter (5 Mg ha−1, on dry basis) and unamended control. Leachates were analyzed for dissolved reactive P (DRP), total P (TP), and nitrate + nitrite‐N (NO3− + NO2−–N). The bromide breakthrough curves provided evidence of preferential flow in all columns. Litter application significantly increased leachate P concentrations, and average TP and DRP concentrations were significantly higher in the leachate from upslope columns compared to those at downslope location. The NO3−–N concentrations in leachate exceeded the US EPA drinking water standard of 10 mg L−1 in all the treatment columns. The highest flow‐weighted mean concentrations of TP and DRP, at 2.7 and 2.5 mg L−1, respectively, were recorded in the upslope columns. Soil physicochemical properties and nutrient leaching losses varied substantially across topographical positions, indicating a need for variable litter application rates to reduce P build‐up and subsequent leaching in vulnerable locations within the field. The relevance of the effect of topographic position on nutrient leaching found in this study should be further tested by investigating a wider range of slopes and soil types in pastures.

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Cover crop effects on X-ray computed tomography–derived soil pore characteristics

Kaur,

Lamba,

Way

et al. 2023

J Soils Sediments

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Using X-ray computed tomography to quantify variability in soil macropore characteristics in pastures

Cited by 14 publications

References 61 publications

The higher relative concentration of K⁺ to Na⁺ in saline water improves soil hydraulic conductivity, salt leaching efficiency and structural stability

The higher relative concentration of K⁺ to Na⁺ in saline water improves soil hydraulic conductivity, salt leaching efficiency and structural stability

Preferential flow of phosphorus and nitrogen under steady‐state saturated conditions

Cover crop effects on X-ray computed tomography–derived soil pore characteristics

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Using X-ray computed tomography to quantify variability in soil macropore characteristics in pastures

Cited by 14 publications

References 61 publications

The higher relative concentration of K+ to Na+ in saline water improves soil hydraulic conductivity, salt leaching efficiency and structural stability

The higher relative concentration of K+ to Na+ in saline water improves soil hydraulic conductivity, salt leaching efficiency and structural stability

Preferential flow of phosphorus and nitrogen under steady‐state saturated conditions

Cover crop effects on X-ray computed tomography–derived soil pore characteristics

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Product

Resources

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The higher relative concentration of K⁺ to Na⁺ in saline water improves soil hydraulic conductivity, salt leaching efficiency and structural stability

The higher relative concentration of K⁺ to Na⁺ in saline water improves soil hydraulic conductivity, salt leaching efficiency and structural stability