Research project

in cooperation with the University of Kiel

The characteristics and dynamics of the pore space are of great importance for the transport of gas, water and nutrients dissolved in it, as well as for habitat conditions for the soil microorganisms involved in the release. Especially in the subsoil, accessibility to nutrient sources depends on the development of the root system and the intact functional relationship of biological, physical and chemical processes. In this context, the development of the soil structure is closely related to root growth, with roots creating new pore space on the one hand and using an already established structure (e.g. shrinkage cracks and biopores) for their growth on the other hand. Knowledge of the architecture, morphology, and topology of the pore network, consisting of pedogenically and biogenically formed cavities, is the basis for a better understanding regarding the interaction of biological, biochemical, and physical processes that control the accessibility and mobilization of nutrient sources.

Our contribution to the long-term research goal of identifying and quantifying relevant processes for nutrient mobilization lies in the detailed non-invasive investigation of microstructure dynamics as well as small-scale physical properties dependent on them. By combining X-ray microcomputed tomography (XR-µCT) with 3D image analysis techniques and in situ measurements of oxygen partial pressure distributions (pO2), redox potentials, and oxygen diffusion rates (ODR) on the micro- and macroscale, functional relationships between pore space geometry, microstructure dynamics, root growth, and habitat conditions for microorganisms can be quantified.

DFG FOR 1320/DAAD-Fondecyt

• MSc.S. Pagenkemper
• MSc. D.Uteau-Puschmann