Description and classification of soil structure using distance transform data

Abstract

SummaryClassification of soil based on structure is useful for conveying information about physical properties and soil processes. The distance transform is an image analysis technique suitable for quantifying soil structure. An analysis of distance transform data, in the form of cumulative area distribution curves for previously published images of soil structures of various types, is presented. The images were used to derive a quantitative classification of structure using maximum distance of solid from a macropore (Dmax, measured), the distance from macropore space containing 50% of the solid area (k, derived by fitting a sigmoidal function to the cumulative area distribution curve), the total interface length between pore and solid per area of sample (IA, measured), the porosity or the proportion of pores per area of sample (PA, measured) and the pore distribution characteristic (n, derived by fitting a sigmoidal function to the cumulative area distribution curve) which is related to the number, continuity and distribution of pores. The influence of image resolution was investigated, and within limits found to be fairly small. The final classification of soil structure was based on the hypothesized relations between the descriptors and structure‐forming processes.