Air-filled Pore Research Articles

Moderate effects of distance to air-filled macropores on denitrification potentials in soils

AbstractDenitrification is a major source of the greenhouse gas N2O. As a result of spatial heterogeneity of organic carbon, oxygen and nitrate, denitrification is observed even under relatively dry conditions. However, it is unclear whether denitrification potentials of microbial communities exhibit spatial patterns relative to variations in distance to soil pores facilitating oxygen exchange and nutrient transfer. Thus, we determined genetic and process-level denitrification potentials in two contrasting soils, a cropland and a grassland, with respect to the distance to air-filled pores. An X-ray computed tomography aided sampling strategy was applied for precise sampling of soil material. Process-level and genetic denitrification potentials in both soils were spatially variable, and similar with respect to distance to macropores. In the cropland soil, a minor increase of process-level potentials with distance to pores was observed and related to changes in NO3− rather than oxygen availability. Genetic denitrification potentials after the short-term incubations revealed a certain robustness of the local community. Thus, distance to macropores has a minor impact on denitrification potentials relative to the observed spatial variability. Our findings support the notion that the impact of macropore induced changes of the environmental conditions in soil does not overrule the high spatial variability due to other controlling factors, so that the rather minor proportion of spatial heterogeneity of functional genes and activity potentials related to macropore distances in soil need not be considered explicitly in modelling denitrification.

Manufacture, characterization, and elucidation of drug release mechanisms of etonogestrel implants based on ethylene vinyl acetate

In this work, etonogestrel implants were manufactured using coextrusion. The purpose of the study was to correlate changes in microstructure and transport properties that occurred in etonogestrel implants to drug release mechanisms. The implants consisted of an EVA 28 (28 % vinyl acetate) core containing dispersed and dissolved etonogestrel, and an EVA 15 (15 % vinyl acetate) skin. The drug release was determined to be via diffusion at a controlled rate and governed by implant dimensions. In-vitro release revealed evidence of supersaturation in the implant core and skin, likely from the intense mechanical energy input during the twin-screw manufacturing process. Subsequently during storage under ambient conditions, supersaturation resulted in recrystallization of drug crystals, preferentially in the implant core. Etonogestrel solubility and diffusivity in EVA were determined by permeation experiments and used for release modeling. Drug release from the EVA skin layer deviated from the predicted values due to 1) formation of a drug depletion zone in the core and 2) presence of a stagnant media layer adjacent to the skin. Drug release from implant ends was significantly faster than predicted. Air-filled pores were observed in the implant core using microCT which likely contributed to the faster release from implant ends.

The distribution of particulate organic matter in the heterogeneous soil matrix - Balancing between aerobic respiration and denitrification

Denitrification, a key process in soil nitrogen cycling, occurs predominantly within microbial hotspots, such as those around particulate organic matter (POM), where denitrifiers use nitrate as an alternative electron acceptor. For accurate prediction of dinitrogen (N2) and nitrous oxide (N2O) emissions from denitrification, a precise quantification of these microscale hotspots is required. The distribution of POM is of crucial importance in this context, as the local oxygen (O2) balance is governed not only by its high O2 demand but also by the local O2 availability.Employing a unique combination of X-ray CT imaging, microscale O2 measurements, and 15N labeling, we were able to quantify hotspots of aerobic respiration and denitrification. We analyzed greenhouse gas (GHG) fluxes, soil oxygen supply, and the distribution of POM in intact soil samples from grassland and cropland under different moisture conditions. Our findings reveal that both proximal and distal POM, identified through X-ray CT imaging, contribute to GHG emissions. The distal POM, i.e. POM at distant locations to air-filled pores, emerged as a primary driver of denitrification within structured soils of both land uses. Thus, the higher denitrification rates in the grassland could be attributed to the higher content of distal POM. Conversely, despite possessing compacted areas that could favor denitrification, the cropland had only small amounts of distal POM to stimulate denitrification in it. This underlines the complex interaction between soil structural heterogeneity, organic carbon supply, and microbial hotspot formation and thus contributes to a better understanding of soil-related GHG emissions.In summary, our study provides a holistic understanding of soil-borne greenhouse gas emissions and emphasizes the need to refine predictive models for soil denitrification and N2O emissions by incorporating the microscale distribution of POM.

Observations of root hair patterning in soils: Insights from synchrotron-based X-ray computed microtomography

Abstract Background And Aims Root hair emergence is affected by heterogeneities in water availability in the growth medium. Root hairs preferentially emerge into air, whereas their emergence into water is inhibited. Yet, these results were based either on destructive methods or on roots grown on an agar-air interface. Additionally, there is a lack of knowledge about the spatial distribution of root hairs as hairs elongate radially across the rhizosphere. Therefore, root hair growth in soils remains largely unexplored. Methods Maize (Zea Mays L.) plants were grown in microcosms which were scanned with a synchrotron-based X-ray $$\mu $$ μ CT. The distribution of root hairs along the root epidermis and radially across the rhizosphere (i.e. as function of distance from the root epidermis) was analysed using spatial point pattern analysis. Results While hairs emerged randomly in air-filled pores, their emergence was inhibited where the root was in contact with the soil matrix. As hairs elongated radially into the soil, they were preferentially located in the close proximity of soil particles. In maize, we rarely observed root hairs penetrating into soil aggregates. Conclusion We conclude that in maize, root hairs grow in air-filled pores at the root-soil interface, where the flow of nutrients and water is impeded. Across the rhizosphere, hairs establish contact to the soil by growing in the proximity to soil particles. The effect of hairs on uptake processes, plant anchorage and rhizosheath formation might be limited (in maize) as they hardly penetrate into soil aggregates.

The anaerobic soil volume as a controlling factor of denitrification: a review

AbstractDenitrification is an important component of the nitrogen cycle in soil, returning reactive nitrogen to the atmosphere. Denitrification activity is often concentrated spatially in anoxic microsites and temporally in ephemeral events, which presents a challenge for modelling. The anaerobic fraction of soil volume can be a useful predictor of denitrification in soils. Here, we provide a review of this soil characteristic, its controlling factors, its estimation from basic soil properties and its implementation in current denitrification models. The concept of the anaerobic soil volume and its relationship to denitrification activity has undergone several paradigm shifts that came along with the advent of new oxygen and microstructure mapping techniques. The current understanding is that hotspots of denitrification activity are partially decoupled from air distances in the wet soil matrix and are mainly associated with particulate organic matter (POM) in the form of fresh plant residues or manure. POM fragments harbor large amounts of labile carbon that promote local oxygen consumption and, as a result, these microsites differ in their aeration status from the surrounding soil matrix. Current denitrification models relate the anaerobic soil volume fraction to bulk oxygen concentration in various ways but make little use of microstructure information, such as the distance between POM and air-filled pores. Based on meta-analyses, we derive new empirical relationships to estimate the conditions for the formation of anoxia at the microscale from basic soil properties and we outline how these empirical relationships could be used in the future to improve prediction accuracy of denitrification models at the soil profile scale.

Heat-Localized and Salt-Resistant 3D Hierarchical Porous Ceramic Platform for Efficient Solar-Driven Interfacial Evaporation.

Solar-driven interfacial evaporation (SDIE) is a highly promising approach to achieve sustainable desalination and tackle the global freshwater crisis. Despite advancements in this field, achieving balanced thermal localization and salt resistance remains a challenge. Herein, the study presents a 3D hierarchical porous ceramic platform for SDIE applications. The utilized alumina foam ceramics (AFCs) exhibit remarkable corrosion resistance and chemical stability, ensuring a prolonged operational lifespan in seawater or brines. The millimeter-scale air-filled pores in AFCs prevent thermal losses through conduction with bulk water, resulting in heat-localized interfaces. The hydrophilic nature of macroporous AFC skeletons facilitates rapid water replenishment on the evaporating surface for effective salt-resistant desalination. Benefiting from its self-radiation adsorption and side-assisted evaporation capabilities, the AFC-based evaporators exhibit high indoor evaporation rates of 2.99 and 3.54kg m-2 h-1 under one-sided and three-sided illumination under 1.0 sun, respectively. The AFC-based evaporator maintains a high evaporation rate of ≈2.77kg m-2 h-1 throughout the 21-day long-term test. Furthermore, it achieves a daily water productivity of ≈10.44kg m-2 in outdoor operations. This work demonstrates the potential of 3D hierarchical porous ceramics in addressing the trade-off between heat localization and salt resistance, and contributes to the development of durable solar steam generators.

Study on the coupling mechanism of water-heat-vapor-salt-mechanics in unsaturated freezing sulfate saline soil

Understanding the internal regularity of unsaturated freezing sulfate saline soil is of utmost importance concerning the durability and stability of cold region engineering in sulfate saline soil areas. One-sided freezing experiments were performed on unsaturated sulfate saline soils with varying salt and moisture contents and temperature gradients to investigate the interplay of water-vapor-salt migration, heat transfer, ice-water and water-vapor phase transformations, salt crystallization, and salt-frost heave. This study presented a novel water-heat-vapor-salt-mechanics coupling model that considers water-vapor-salt migration and its feedback on soil deformation. The results signify that the water accumulation at the top surface of unsaturated freezing sulfate saline soil is primarily due to water vapor migration. Water-vapor-salt migration, ice-water phase transition, and salt crystallization form more ice and salt crystals, filling the air-filled pores and causing significant salt-frost heave. Water vapor transfer and accumulation further exacerbate the soil deformation for unsaturated freezing sulfate saline soil. The calculating results agree with the test data and demonstrate the efficacy of the proposed five-field coupling model. These findings hold significant implications for developing practical solutions for mitigating the negative impacts of salt-frost heave induced by water-vapor-salt transfer in unsaturated freezing sulfate saline soil on construction projects.

Trends on Aerogel-Based Biosensors for Medical Applications: An Overview.

Aerogels are unique solid-state materials composed of interconnected 3D solid networks and a large number of air-filled pores. This structure leads to extended structural characteristics as well as physicochemical properties of the nanoscale building blocks to macroscale, and integrated typical features of aerogels, such as high porosity, large surface area, and low density, with specific properties of the various constituents. Due to their combination of excellent properties, aerogels attract much interest in various applications, ranging from medicine to construction. In recent decades, their potential was exploited in many aerogels' materials, either organic, inorganic or hybrid. Considerable research efforts in recent years have been devoted to the development of aerogel-based biosensors and encouraging accomplishments have been achieved. In this work, recent (2018-2023) and ground-breaking advances in the preparation, classification, and physicochemical properties of aerogels and their sensing applications are presented. Different types of biosensors in which aerogels play a fundamental role are being explored and are collected in this manuscript. Moreover, the current challenges and some perspectives for the development of high-performance aerogel-based biosensors are summarized.

Multifaceted impacts of moss-dominated biocrusts on dryland soils: From soil pore structure to aeration and water infiltration

Biocrusts are a crucial living cover of dryland soils that alter near-surface soil structure and properties. To date, it is still unclear how biocrusts affect soil pore structure, and subsequently alter gas and water transport processes. In this study, we investigated aeolian sand and loess soil colonized with moss-dominated biocrusts and in bare state of the Chinese Loess Plateau. X-ray computed tomography (CT) was used to quantify and visualize the pore characteristics for all considered scenarios. In addition, the soil air permeabilities and relative gas diffusivities were measured together with infiltration rates. CT imaging and reconstruction showed 102–107%, 56–87%, and 72–203% higher macroporosities, surface area densities, and mean pore volumes, respectively, for soils colonized with biocrusts when compared to their bare counterparts. The biocrusts also increased the ratio of connected and isolated porosities as well as pore node densities, while decreasing Euler numbers and tortuosity when compared to the bare soils. This suggests that the pore networks in biocrust-colonized soils exhibit higher continuity and less tortuosity. In addition, the biocrusts increased air permeability by 277–301% and relative gas diffusivity by 47–59%, which is attributable to more air-filled pores and better pore connectivity. However, when compared with bare soils, the biocrusts reduced steady state infiltration rates by 41–50% and the 60 min cumulative infiltration amount by 33–54%. The decrease in infiltrability is attributable to the higher fine particle content and the enhanced water holding capacity of biocrusts. In summary, the biocrusts improved soil pore structure and soil aeration, and reduced infiltrability when compared to bare soils. This implies that biocrusts play a multifaceted and complex role in the transport of gases and water, and as a consequence significantly impact near-surface hydrological and biochemical processes, such as soil evaporation and respiration in drylands.

Hydraulic and pore functions of differently textured soils modified by biochar from different parts of the mango plant

Studies that elucidate the likely differential impact of biochar produced from different parts of the same plant on soil functions and structure are scanty. Therefore, in this study, biochar made from 2 feedstocks: Mango Twig (B1) and Mango Branch (B2) were pyrolyzed at 550 ○C, and mixed with 2 differently textured substrates (silt loam – S and sandy loam –SD) at application rates of 0%, 3%, 4.5% and 6%, and uniformly prepared to a bulk density (BD) of 1.4 g cm−3. The substrates were subsequently subjected to standard procedures to characterize the affected water retention properties, air permeability, and saturated hydraulic conductivity (Ks). The results indicate marked differences in the impact of biochar types on the available water and water retention capacity, depending on soil texture. The significant main effect of the biochar type on Ks in silty loam and the plant available water capacity in sandy loam highlights the relevance of the selected part of the feedstock pyrolyzed. The optimum amount of biochar required to achieve a significant increase in soil water content was about 3% in both substrates, while air permeability and pore continuity were significantly altered at about 6% biochar amendment rate. Moreover, significant (P < 0.05) improvements in the saturated hydraulic conductivity were observed in the biochar-amended soil compared to the control. Air permeability decreased as the added biochar increased, while the air-filled pores increased at defined matric potential in all treatments. The improvement in soil functions was mostly due to the modification of soil structure parameters (pore size distribution (PSD) and pore continuity), due to increased meso pores concomitant with biochar additions; and greater changes were obtained with B1. The varied impact of the biochar types especially on the soil water retention, available water capacity, pore continuity, and hydraulic properties for the different soil textures showed that even the selected plant part affects the options to improve soil functions.

Hybrid Aerogel Triboelectric Nanogenerator Based on the Synergistic Effect of Solid-Solid/Gas-Solid Triboelectricity and Piezoelectric Polarization.

Aerogels, due to their unique interconnected 3D networks, and large number of air-filled pores, extend the structural characteristics and physicochemical properties of the nanoscale to the macro level. However, aerogels made from a single component can hardly meet the needs of multifunctional energy harvesting/supply situations. Here, a BaTiO3-based hybrid aerogel (BTO HA) with 3D network structure was prepared. When the BTO HA is used as the electrode of triboelectric nanogenerator (BTO HA-TENG), high electrical output performances were obtained, which is due to the synergistic effect of solid-solid contact electrifications between the two electrification layers, the gas-solid contact electrifications between the inner surface of BTO HA and the air filled in the aerogel pores, and the piezoelectricity of the doped BaTiO3 nanoparticles. The BTO HA-TENG exhibited excellent fatigue resistance and structural stability after 12,000 cycles of alternatively contact/separation tests, and it can not only provide stable power supply for commercial capacitors, drive small mobile electronic devices but also can be used as a self-powered sensor to monitor human motion signals. Compared with traditional TENGs depending on surface charge transfer, the BTO HA-TENG exhibited its unique advantage that it can generate and transfer triboelectric charges by 3D volume, which boost TENGs' electrical output performances.

Straw management in small grain cereal crop production – The long-term effects on soil carbon and soil pore characteristics

Intensive tillage, non-diversified crop rotations and reduction in the return of organic residues to soil imply decreasing levels of soil organic carbon (SOC). Straw removal for (bio)energy production may increase in the future, given the attempts to phase out fossil energy sources. The decreasing SOC contents may deteriorate soil structure with adverse effects on soil ecosystem services. In this study, the long-term (28–36 years) effect of repeated experimentation with removal, burning or incorporation of straw was quantified at a coarse sandy and two sandy loam soils. At the end of experimentation, remolded soil was sampled and analyzed for SOC and a range of other chemical characteristics. Undisturbed soil cores were collected in the plough layer (10 cm depth) and the upper subsoil (30 cm depth). The cores were drained to a range of matric potentials (ψ), and air permeability measured at ψ = -30 and ψ = -100 hPa. At all three locations, incorporation of straw increased SOC by ∼ 13% and ∼ 15% relative to removal and burning, respectively. Leaving straw in the field (chopped or burned) increased exchangeable potassium found in the soil layer 0–80 cm depth with approximately 110–400 kg per hectare, highest for the most clay-holding soil. Addition of straw decreased soil dry bulk density and increased the volume of soil pores holding water available for plants (0.2–30 µm), while no significant effect was found for pores>30 µm. For the two sandy loam soils, air permeability tended to be highest for soil with incorporation of straw. For one of the sandy loam soils, the effect was significant when normalized to unit volume of air-filled pore volume. No effects of straw management were found on the volume of soil pore fractions in the subsoil. However, the measurements of air permeability indicated more continuous pores for straw-amended soil in the generally dense plough pan layer. The long-term effects of straw may affect important soil functions and ecosystem services.

Impact of potato starch structural transitions on microstructure development during deep-frying

Starch is an important constituent in several deep-fried foods, however, the impact of starch structural transformations on microstructure development during deep-frying is not well understood. In this study, the impact of deep-frying duration (0–180 s) on the physical state of potato starch (30–60% moisture content) and its microstructure was studied using time domain proton NMR and X-ray micro-computed tomography, respectively. Starch gelatinization was shown to occur within the first frying time interval assessed (0–15 s) during which starch chains were in increased contact with water and in a rubbery state. In this state, polymers were mobile (assessed by their T2 relaxation time) and not sufficiently rigid to maintain the expanded shape attained from frying-induced water evaporation. As a consequence, permanent changes to the microstructure were minor. Few air-filled pores were formed and oil absorption was limited to the pores which existed prior to frying. With further frying, starch was shown to progressively transition to the glassy state thus becoming more rigid and capable of forming a semi-flexible network. During this transition, sample expansion occurred, where the rigidity of chains could preserve the expanded structure resulting from the violent evaporation of steam. Microstructural changes were limited once a significant portion of starch had transitioned into the glassy state and polymers were rigid enough to resist expansion. The findings of this study provide a basis for understanding how the physical states of starch influence pore development, oil absorption, and oil distribution during deep-frying.

Simplified scaling relations for the depth-dependence and IFT reduction of fluid imbibition in gas-saturated reservoir rocks

Imbibition of water into fractured unconventional reservoirs is a significant factor contributing to the large volumes of permanently lost water by hydraulic fracturing. The lost water partitions at the fracture-matrix interface thereby restricting gas flow into the fractures. Thus, minimizing the large water footprint during the fracturing process is very attractive for water conservation and gas production. A key step towards achieving this goal is quantifying uncertainties needed to reliably predict water imbibition and to evaluate the success of efforts aimed at minimizing it. In this contribution, we present new scaling relations for water imbibition in gas-saturated rocks that account for the depth-dependence of fluid properties and chemical alteration of IFT through the use of a surfactant. We then propose a new method for quantifying uncertainties relating to rock properties, two-phase fluid properties, and the driving force for imbibition. We applied the proposed approach to analyze glass-bead pack and shale experiments involving water imbibition into air-filled pores, and validated our model predictions against published values from X-ray CT images and transient permeability measurements. Our work provides a methodology for quantifying the uncertainties pertaining to water imbibition, thereby enabling optimization of post-fracturing interventions aimed at minimizing water loss in deep unconventional shale gas reservoirs.

Analyzing Groundwater Recharge and Vadose Zone Dynamics by Combining Soil Moisture and Groundwater Level Data with a Numerical Model in Subarctic Conditions

Quantitative estimates on the magnitude and dynamics of vadose and groundwater zones in subarctic conditions are rare. Furthermore, knowledge on the constraints of different data on numerical groundwater recharge estimates (i.e., data worth analyses) is limited. We built a process-based three-dimensional hydrological model to describe and analyze the dynamics and magnitude of groundwater recharge, vadose zone, and related key hydrological components in subarctic conditions. Three-year time series of daily groundwater level and soil moisture (five different depths) data were used to identify plausible model realizations. Thereafter, long-term simulations over 6 years were conducted. The model adequately corresponded with the magnitude and dynamics of the observations, even though the simulations and observations occasionally differed. Simulations with several different plausible parameterizations showed how soil moisture and groundwater level fluctuations, as well as recharge estimates, are sensitive to water retention parameter variations, whereas precipitation and evapotranspiration controlled the recharge magnitude. Recharge showed clear interannual variability (annual mean 0.28–0.60 m). The fraction of annual mean recharge over precipitation was 39%–66% during our simulation period. We showed how groundwater level data can set more constraints on the recharge estimates than soil moisture data, and how both of the data types together constrained the recharge estimates the most. We showed how the vadose zone had modest dynamics and storage properties (typically 2%–8% of the total soil water) in terms of the bulk soil water storage. However, the average amount of the air-filled pore space (0.70 m) and water (0.38 m) in the vadose zone were proportional to annual precipitation and evapotranspiration, respectively. Thus, the vadose zone can form an important boundary between the soil surface and groundwater zone, and its role is not highly sensitive to hydrometeorological fluctuations. Data worth analyses provide a potential opportunity to move toward increasingly reliable model-based groundwater recharge estimates and system understanding.

Mechanisms of oil coalescing through water-filled and air-filled membrane pores

This study demonstrates an investigation of coalescence mechanism of oil droplets in water-filled and air-filled membrane pores in a crossflow filtration. Methanol, ethanol and propanol additives are used to create polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) membrane pores through phase inversion process. The air-filled pores are obtained by drying the membrane at temperature 50 °C. Results show that membrane structure transition occurred from short fingerlike (PVDF-M) to long fingerlike (PVDF-E) and drop-shaped macrovoid (PVDF-P) when the diffusivity of additives into water coagulant decreases. The emulsion permeation flux acquired by water-filled pores is higher than that attained by air-filled pores membranes and the flux increases in the manner: PVDF-P > PVDF-E > PVDF-M. The membrane with water-filled pores is more hydrophilic which is able to reduce the fouling. Stearic repulsion plus the crossflow and pressurized effects promote cleavage of oil droplets when small pores membrane is used. The low crossflow and high pressurized effects are preferable to coalescence in larger pores. Capillary effect controls the coalescence in the air-filled pores. In the smallest pores, the coalescence switched to cleavage when crossflow increases and feed pressurized effect reduces with the presence of repulsion effect. The PVDF-E with the relatively small pores appeared a better coalescence than the PVDF-P which possesses the largest pores, due to the capillary motion occurred more desirable in the smaller pores and low pressurized condition.

Mechanical stability of newly-formed soil macroaggregates influenced by calcium concentration and the calcium counter-anion

Aggregate stability, an indicator of soil structural resistance to mechanical forces, depends upon the strength of binding substances within the aggregate. Adhesion of calcium (Ca2+) oxide-based compounds to soil primary particles is expected to create stable aggregates. This occurs because Ca2+ will flocculate clay and silicate minerals, and precipitate with carbonate or as Ca2+ hydrates (calcium-silica-hydrate, calcium-aluminium-silica hydrate), filling the air-filled pore space with solids that resist mechanical rupture. The objective of this work is to determine how the Ca2+ concentration, as well as the type of Ca2+ counter-anion (CO32−, OH−), affects the binding strength of newly formed macroaggregates (0.84–3 mm in diameter) that resist abrasive force. Soil from six arid desert locations was ground (<0.125 mm) and mixed with solutions containing 40 to 2560 mg Ca L−1 made with CaCO3 or Ca(OH)2. The stable aggregate diameter of newly-formed macroaggregates was based on their resistance to abrasion in an erosive chamber. Stable aggregate diameter tended to increase as the log of Ca2+ concentration increased and was similar in the presence of the CO32− and OH− counter-anions. Larger stable aggregate diameter formed as the Ca2+ solution concentration increased from 0.04 to 2.6 g Ca2+ L−1, using CaCO3 or Ca(OH)2 solution, and was enhanced when the soil contained 48–170 g clay kg−1 dominated by montmorillonite clay minerals. We observed Ca2+ accumulation on Al- and Si-rich surfaces, which may indicate formation of flocculants < 20μ m, as well as soil particle adhesion within newly-formed macroaggregates by calcium carbonate or calcium silicate hydrate precipitates. This work highlights the importance of calcium oxide binding for macroaggregate stabilization in arid desert soils.

Bench X-ray microtomography of water-salt solution/oil injected into samples of the Botucatu formation

This paper provides a report on the utilization of the X-ray microtomography to obtain images of the internal microstructure of natural sandstone samples from the Botucatu Formation. Its primary objective was to identify the different phases of fluids when injected into the samples to evaluate the various phases through grayscale histograms obtained from 2-D images, quantification of fluid phases, and generation of 3-D images of them. The fluids used in the experiments comprised one type of commercial oil, one type of industrial oil, and an water-salt solution. Quantitative results from 2-D and 3-D analyzes are presented and compared to the volume of injected solution and the measured volume. The phase size distributions indicated which pore radii had a more relevant participation in the percolation of fluids through the samples. Projections in conjunction with 2-D images and profiles of average percentages of air-filled pores indicated the occurrence of preferential percolation flow paths. The 2-D images allowed the measurement of the contact angle between the phases present in the sample containing industrial oil. Different measurements taken from the sample containing commercial oil showed capillary effects indicated by the average percentage profiles of air-filled pores in the 2-D images.

Fungal drops: a novel approach for macro- and microscopic analyses of fungal mycelial growth.

This study presents an inexpensive approach for the macro- and microscopic observation of fungal mycelial growth. The 'fungal drops' method allows to investigate the development of a mycelial network in filamentous microorganisms at the colony and hyphal scales. A heterogeneous environment is created by depositing 15-20µl drops on a hydrophobic surface at a fixed distance. This system is akin to a two-dimensional (2D) soil-like structure in which aqueous-pockets are intermixed with air-filled pores. The fungus (spores or mycelia) is inoculated into one of the drops, from which hyphal growth and exploration take place. Hyphal structures are assessed at different scales using stereoscopic and microscopic imaging. The former allows to evaluate the local response of regions within the colony (modular behaviour), while the latter can be used for fractal dimension analyses to describe the hyphal network architecture. The method was tested with several species to underpin the transferability to multiple species. In addition, two sets of experiments were carried out to demonstrate its use in fungal biology. First, mycelial reorganization of Fusarium oxysporum was assessed as a response to patches containing different nutrient concentrations. Second, the effect of interactions with the soil bacterium Pseudomonas putida on habitat colonization by the same fungus was assessed. This method appeared as fast and accessible, allowed for a high level of replication, and complements more complex experimental platforms. Coupled with image analysis, the fungal drops method provides new insights into the study of fungal modularity both macroscopically and at a single-hypha level.

The Assessment of Soil Quality in Contrasting Land-Use and Tillage Systems on Farm Fields with Stagnic Luvisol Soil in Estonia

Soil quality indicates the soil’s ability to provide ecosystem services. Reducing the tillage intensity has been suggested as an alternative to conventional tillage for sustaining soil quality. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of soil tillage systems on individual soil quality indicators in comparison to those on grassland with Stagnic Luvisol soil in Estonia. Four soil management systems were compared: no-tillage (NT), minimum tillage (MT), conventional tillage (CT) and grassland (G) as a reference. Soil quality indicators included physical (bulk density, water-stable aggregates, porosity, air-filled pores, moisture content, water-holding capacity, penetration resistance and water permeability), chemical (total N, total soil organic C, permanganate oxidisable C, pH, P, K, Ca and Mg) and biological (earthworm abundance) parameters. CT soils had a significantly lower aggregate stability compared to MT and G soils. The higher penetration resistance of CT under an arable layer suggested the presence of a plough pan. NT improved the soil’s physical quality at 5–10 cm, which was indicated by higher moisture content, water-holding capacity and porosity and a lower bulk density, whereas penetration resistance exceeded 2 MPa in the lower part of the topsoil. NT also had significantly lower total soil organic C and total N compared to MT and G. The absence of tillage in the NT and G systems may have improved the soil’s resistance to moisture loss under dry conditions, which, in turn, improved the soil habitability for earthworms a despite higher density. In general, NT or MT stabilised or increased the soil quality compared to CT.