Determination Of Bulk Density Research Articles

From science to practice: The AGSUS protocol for monitoring and certification of sustainable soil management and carbon sequestration

Sustainable soil management is indispensable for achieving the UN Sustainable Development goals and soil carbon sequestration for climate change mitigation has gained importance in recent years, yet there are few examples of projects carried out to this purpose, and protocols that facilitate this task. Here we present a monitoring system that relies on sampling soils in the field, as opposed to a modeling approach. The high spatial variability of SOC was addressed by requiring that the participating farms divide their land according to management zones, based on soil type, slope position and land use history, and the sampling density was established as one sampling point per one hundred hectares, while for environments smaller than 500 ha minimum of five points must be used. These points are georeferenced and will be revisited for annual monitoring of sustainable soil management, and every five years for soil sampling for SOC, texture, bulk density, pH, electric conductivity (if indicated), and available phosphorus determinations. The monitoring of sustainable soil management will be carried out through a visual evaluation of 12 soil quality parameters, as described in the handbook published by the AGSUS group. The data obtained from the visual evaluation and the soil analyses (bulk density, particle size fractions, C content, and pH) in the baseline monitoring of Argentinean and Brazilian farms during 2022 were analyzed for the relation between visual evaluation score and the means of these soil parameters. The organic matter indicator (OMI)was calculated by the formula OMI = OM/clay plus silt*100. The data base contained visual soil evaluation scores at 80 georeferenced sampling points, representing 12 farms located in different agroecological zones of the Argentinean Pampas, and 47 sampling points on two farms in Mato Grosso, Brazil. Our results showed a relationship between the VE (Visual Evaluation) score and SOC contents of the soils, especially when these were expressed in relation to their fine mineral particles as with the OMI for the soils of the Argentinean Pampa and the Brazilian Mato Grosso. The OMI showed differences between the three VE scores ranging from 4.7 to 6.7 and from 3.1 to 5.1 in the 0–0.1 m and 0.1–0.2 m depths, respectively. Relationships between the VE score and SOC, OMI, Sand, Silt and Clay plus Silt were only found for the 39 cases of VE “moderate” score in Pampas soils, whereas for the 39 cases of “good” scores no significant relations were encountered. These soils had high SOC and OMI, indicating that they are healthy soils, near saturation level, with low C sequestration potential.

Analyzing the Influence of Conservation Tillage and Manure on Soil Parameter Modulations in Croplands.

Nowadays, when the human impact on the environment becomes prominent daily, specific steps are needed to mitigate or halt those changes. By far, agricultural land is most affected by the degradation process, leading to soil erosion and decreased soil quality. Sustainable measures are needed to find a solution to that problem. This study, located in an agricultural area in northwestern Croatia, gives an insight into how different tillage systems (conventional and conservation) with the addition of manure will affect soil physicochemical properties, hydrology response, and overall yield. To assess hydrological response, a rainfall simulator was used; meanwhile, soil samples were taken to determine bulk density, soil water content, water-stable aggregates, and soil organic matter. Soil water content did not show significant differences, whereas bulk density and penetration resistance yielded significantly higher values at 15-30 cm depth compared to 0-15 cm depth. Also, the conservation manure recorded lower bulk density and penetration resistance values than conventional tilled treatments. Water-stable aggregates and soil organic matter were severely affected by manure addition and yielded an increase after harvest. Hydrological response was delayed for the treatments with manure addition. Crop yield was also significantly higher for the conventional treatment with manure addition, whereas the control plots had lower yields. The results of this study show the positive aspects of conservation tillage, especially with manure addition, where soil quality is preserved or even increased.

Chemical characterization of soil organic matter in differents management practices in the Cerrado-Pantanal ecotone

Different land uses and occupations have a direct impact on edaphic attributes, which can be identified by soil quality indicators, with organic matter being an excellent edaphic quality indicator. The objective of the work was to chemically characterize soil organic matter (SOM) in different management systems in the municipality of Aquidauana, Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil. Soil samples were collected in five areas with different management practices, in addition to an area of native Cerrado forest (NF), and the managed areas were: exposed soil (ES), conventional tillage system (CTS), no-tillage (NTS), permanent pasture (PP) and sugarcane (SC). In addition to the determination of bulk density (Bd), total organic carbon (TOC) contents and stocks were quantified, as well as carbon (C) contents and stocks of the humified fractions: humic acid (AH), fulvic acid (AF) and humin (HUM), with subsequent calculation of HA/FA and alkaline extract/humin (AE/HUM) and TOC stratification index (SI). There were no significant changes for Ds after six years of implementation of management systems. TOC levels and stocks were higher in PP and NTS areas. The HUM fraction was predominant, with higher contents and stocks of all fractions for the PP and NTS areas, demonstrating the greater intensity of the humification process in these management systems, with greater stability of C in the soil after six years of experiment. The PCA indicated a difference between the areas that present conservation practices in the ES and CTS areas. The NF, NTS, PP and SC areas contribute to SOM stabilization.

ENHANCEMENT OF DISSOLUTION AND BIOAVAILABILITY OF SIMVASTATIN BY SOLID DISPERSION TECHNIQUE USING SUGAR-BASED CARRIERS

Objective: The research aims to enhance poorly water-soluble drug Simvastatin (SMV) solubility and bioavailability by solid dispersion (SD) using various sugar carriers like lactulose, xylitol, Sorbitol, and soluplus. Methods: First, the drug was subjected to determine bulk density, carr’s index, Hausner’s ratio, angle of repose, solubility analysis in various solvents like 0.1 N HCl, 6.8pH, 7.2pH phosphate buffers, methanol, and ethanol and preformulation studies. via various carrier concentrations (1:0.5, 1:1, 1:1.5, 1:2, and 1:3), SMV solid dispersions (SD s) were made by solvent evaporation and fusion. The various physiochemical parameters of each formulation were tested. Results: For various physicochemical criteria, all of the formulations were found to be within the allowed pharmacopoeial limits. Preformulation studies such as FT-IR demonstrated the lack of interactions between drugs and excipients. In comparison to the other solvents, 0.1N HCl showed SMV to be more soluble. The SDs underwent yield, entrapment, and in vitro drug release study evaluations. 88 to 100.68% recovery rates and 92 to 101% capture efficiency were observed. While SDs containing Sorbitol released 74-98% of the medicine, formulations utilizing Sorbitol demonstrated 80-99% drug release, and formulations using xylitol as a carrier released 83-99% of the drug. For more than 60 min, the formulation, including lactulose, delivered 91-100% of the Simvastatin dose. Conclusion: Lactulose-containing SMV SDs demonstrated superior release characteristics, and an optimized formulation with a 1:1.5 drug-to-carrier ratio has been chosen.

Estimation of Soil Density, Porosity, Water Holding Capacity, and Moisture content of Arpa River Based Soil

Soil physics plays a pivotal role in the present scenario. It is directly related to the economic growth of India. An attempt has been made in this paper to research as well as estimate some important physical properties of the Arpa River-based soil of Bilaspur, Chhattisgarh. For soil analysis, it is required to calculate different Chemical, Physical, and Electrical properties, and Geographical. The physical properties of soil are influenced by the size, arrangement, composition, and properties of soil particles. Six distinct soil samples are taken for the current study from different places in the Arpa River. Many physical properties of these six soil samples are examined, including bulk density, particle density, porosity, water holding capacity, soil moisture content, and so on. which can be determined by different standard methods and mathematical formulas. The bulk density in this study ranges from 1.1332 to 1.466 g/cm3. The range of particle density is 2.0449 to 2.5252 g/cm3. After the determination of Bulk density and particle density, the percentage of solid space and pore space (Porosity) was evaluated. Water holding capacity varies from 8% to 48%. The moisture content of six samples varies from 25.92% to 48.14%. Based on physico-chemical parameters it is easy to find the type and amount of fertilizers for particular crops.

Crop rotations influence soil hydraulic and physical quality under no-till on the Canadian prairies

Cropping system sustainability is dependent on the conservation of soil hydraulic and physical quality over time. This study examined the effects of crop rotations on soil hydraulic and physical quality on the Canadian prairies, emphasizing choices of crop species and sequence to preserve or improve soil quality under no-till management. Field experiments were initiated in spring 2018 at three sites: Lethbridge (Alberta), and Swift Current and Scott (Saskatchewan) to evaluate six crop rotations, consisting of (i) conventional (control), (ii) pulse/oilseed intensified, (iii) diversified, (iv) market-driven, (v) high-risk and high-reward, and (vi) soil health-enhanced. Undisturbed soil cores were collected from 5–10 and 15–20 cm soil depth increments in 2021 after crop harvest, to determine bulk density (BD), total (TP) and effective porosity (EP), pore size distribution, soil water retention, and unsaturated hydraulic conductivity. Results revealed that crop rotations did not significantly impact BD, TP, or EP in the 5–10 and 15–20 cm soil depth increments across the three sites. Depending on the site and soil layer, the pulse/oilseed intensified, diversified, high-risk and high-reward, and soil health-enhanced rotations improved macroporosity by 13−127% and mesoporosity by 1−36% compared to the conventional rotation, resulting in concomitant increases in large and medium unsaturated hydraulic conductivities. At Lethbridge, both conventional and high-risk and high-reward rotations resulted in increased water content at field capacity (FC) by 12–14%, permanent wilting point (PWP) by 7−12%, and plant available water capacity (PAWC) by 16−17%, accompanied by significant increases in microporosity (8%) and residual porosity (16%) in the 5−10 cm depth compared to the soil health-enhanced rotation. However, no significant differences were found at Swift Current or Scott in the 5−10 cm depth. The pulse/oilseed intensified rotation significantly improved FC by 22% and PAWC by 19% compared to the market-driven rotation. This rotation also showed an 18% increase in FC and a 32% increase in PWP when compared to the diversified rotation at Scott in the 15−20 cm depth, but did not differ significantly at Lethbridge or Swift Current. Overall, crop rotations with legumes and increased functional diversity have the potential to improve soil physical quality and plant available water but may require a period longer than the present study’s duration to become evident.

Instant Determination of Moisture and Bulk Density of Woodchips in Cellulose Industry

Purpose: This research aims to achieve the instantaneous determination of moisture content and bulk density of wood chips for energy generation and pulp production in the pulp and paper industry. Theoretical framework: The moisture content and bulk density of woodchips influence the quality of biomass for energy generation and cellulose production in various ways. These variables affect the calorific value, mass and volume of logistical transport, the quantity of reagents in the reactor for wood delignification, among other factors. For this reason, a quick and accurate evaluation of these factors in the field is of fundamental importance to improve industrial quality and productivity. Method: To achieve this goal, a pilot test was conducted using a capacitive sensor and a portable scale to determine the moisture and bulk density of wood chips. Calibration equations were developed in the laboratory for the sensor, correlating the readings with the actual moisture content of seven types of wood chips, including Eucalyptus spp. and Pinus spp. The results of field measurements using these equations were compared with the gravimetric method, as well as bulk density measurements. Results and conclusion: The moisture calibration equations showed a high correlation between the capacitive sensor and the gravimetric method. The field density results were similar to those obtained in the laboratory. It was concluded that the investigated methods show promise for use in the pulp and paper industry. Research implications: The validation and accuracy of portable instruments for the instantaneous determination of moisture content and bulk density of wood chips are of utmost importance for manufacturers of portable meters and for industries that use this raw material. Originality/value: The instantaneous determination of moisture content and bulk density can contribute to improving the energy and production efficiency of boilers that generate heat for pulp digesters. Moreover, it optimizes logistical transportation and quality control against the attack of xylophagous organisms, preventing waste of raw materials, which is essential for sustainable development.

Investigation of impact of soil texture, depth and gamma ray energy on the mass attenuation coefficient and determination of soil bulk density using Gamma-Ray Spectrometry

The determination of the gamma-ray attenuation coefficient is a critical parameter in the characterization of the extent and diffusion of gamma radiation within intricate materials, such as soil. Soils exhibit a complex and diverse composition, characterized by the presence of several phases, including minerals, gasses, organic matter, water, and metals. The study demonstrates the utilization of gamma-ray spectrometry to determine the mass attenuation coefficient and soil bulk density. The impact of incident gamma-ray energy, soil texture, and soil depth on the mass attenuation coefficient is also investigated. The experimental measurements were conducted utilizing a gamma spectrometer equipped with a 2″ × 2″ NaI(Tl) detector at gamma energies of 0.356, 0.662, and 1.332 MeV using 133Ba, 137Cs, and 60Co sources, respectively. The soil samples corresponding to two textures and three depths were collected from the research farms of the Department of Soil Science, Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana. The study revealed that the attenuation coefficient depends on the energy of incident radiation and the nature as well as the composition of the soil. The mass attenuation coefficient was observed to decrease rapidly with the increase in gamma radiation energy. Mass attenuation coefficient was found to be higher for sandy loam compared to sandy clay loam textured soil. Moreover, the attenuation coefficient was higher for the lower depths than the upper depth. The comparison between the experimental and predicted values of the mass attenuation coefficient, utilizing the XCOM-NIST framework, demonstrated a satisfactory level of concordance within a 10% margin for gamma energies measuring 0.356 and 0.662 MeV. However, the agreement was slightly less favorable, with discrepancies of less than 12% for sandy clay loam samples and less than 15% for sandy loam textured soil samples, when examining a higher gamma energy of 1.332 MeV. The measured value of mass attenuation coefficient was used to calculate soil bulk density, which agreed reasonably well with the values obtained with the conventional method. Specifically, the sandy clay loam samples displayed a range of 7–14% deviation, while the sandy loam textured soil samples exhibited a range of 14–23% deviation. The investigation can be expanded to ascertain significant soil properties, such as porosity and moisture content.

ACTIVATION AND CHARACTERIZATION OF CARBON OBTAINED FROM COCONUT SHELLS.

The objective of this project was to conduct physical and chemical characterization of the carbon derived from carbonized coconut shells using a charcoal kiln at a temperature of 656°C. The carbon of particle sizes of 0.5mm and 2mm where activated using three chemical activating agents H3PO4, KOH, and NaCl. The physico-chemical characterization conducted includes particle size analysis, Bulk density, pH, moisture content and iodine number determination using standard procedures. The analysis of the three activated carbons indicated that under conditions of preparation, the activated carbon possess high efficiencies of activation with iodine number ranging from 662.88mg/g - 854.37mg/g (H3PO4), 216.09mg/g -850.37mg/g (KOH) and 262.78mg/g -846.02mg/g (NaCl) for 0.5mm activated carbon and for 2mm activated carbon, iodine number values were 318.48mg/g -836.02mg/g (H3PO4), 150.90mg/g-818.43mg/g(KOH) and 206.78mg/g-712.75mg/g (NaCl).

Evaluation of the Methane (CH4) Generation Rate Constant (k Value) of Municipal Solid Waste (MSW) in Mogadishu City, Somalia

Landfills are the third largest source of the greenhouse gas methane, contributing to 25% of global warming. Therefore, the characterization of national municipal solid waste (MSW) and estimation of methane generation rate are very important for the solid waste management (SWM) toward sustainable development goal no. 13, climate action. This study presents (a) an assessment of daily MSW generation, (b) the characterization of MSW, and (c) an evaluation of the methane generation rate constant (k value) in Mogadishu, Somalia. The MSW samples were collected from three (3) sampling zones (Zones 1, 2, and 3; 204 households) and weighted (kg). Next, the waste generation per person per day was estimated. The MSW characterization includes sorting (based on plastic/polythene, food wastes, wood, metals, yard waste, paper/cardboard, textile, glass/ceramic and miscellaneous components, %), the determination of bulk density (kg/L), and measuring moisture content (%). The k values were evaluated from the percentages of different components in MSW based on first-order decay models. Mogadishu city generated 1671.03 kg MSW per week (maximum on Friday: 348.72 kg, and minimum on Monday: 152.04 kg). The total mean MSW generation rate observed in this study was 0.2 kg/person/day. The solid waste generation found was in the decreasing order of food waste > plastic/polythene > yard waste > miscellaneous > papers/carboard > wood > glass/ceramic > textiles > metals by weight. The average bulk density was found to be 0.269 kg/L. The average moisture content was ranged from 61.6 to 73%. The total k values were categorized as fast (Zone 1: 0.216053 yr−1, Zone 2: 0.228739 yr−1, and Zone 3: 0.244595 yr−1) and moderate (Zone 3: 0.244595 yr−1) degradation. This research serves as Somalian MSW baseline data and projected the methane generation rate from the MSW production in the country. The MSW sorting may reduce the impact of global warming and is highly recommended for better SWM in the future.

Changes in soil physical and mechanical properties under different tillage and cropping systems in alfisol soil of southwestern Nigeria

Sustainable agricultural strategies such as conservation agriculture (CA) and integrated land management are required to mitigate land degradation and food insecurity. This study was conducted to investigate the effects of different cropping systems: sole sorghum (SOR), sole cowpea (COW), sole soybean (SOY), sorghum-cowpea intercrop (SC), and sorghum-soybean intercrop (SS); and tillage practices: conventional tillage (CT), no tillage (NT), and compacted no till (NTc) on physical and mechanical properties of an Alfisol in Southwestern Nigeria. The experimental layout comprised a split plot design accommodating the 3 tillage and 5 cropping systems in a randomized complete block design with three replications. Undisturbed soil samples were collected from 0 to 15 ​cm, and 15–30 ​cm soil layers for the determination of soil bulk density (BD), total porosity (TP), and unconfined compressive strength (quf). The results showed that bulk density was lower, while total porosity was higher under intercrops than monocrops in all the tillage treatments. Conventional tillage had the least BD compared to no tillage and compacted no till plots. Soil vane shear strength (Ʈ) and unconfined compressive strength (quf) were generally lower under the intercrops than the sole sorghum plots. Averaged over the two soil depths, the mean soil quf of SS intercrop was 1.28 times lower than the mean soil quf of SOR but was 1.06 times higher than the mean soil quf of SOY. SC intercrop had a 14.20% and a 9.15% lower average soil quf than SOR and COW in 2019. Unconfined compressive strength and vanes shear strength significantly positively correlated with BD and negatively with TP, organic carbon (OC), organic matter (OM), and total nitrogen (N) in both cropping years. The research demonstrates that farming approaches that integrate soil cover preservation and minimal soil disturbance with diverse cropping systems improve soil physical and mechanical behavior.

Carbon Stocks and Recent Rates of Carbon Sequestration in Nutrient‐Rich Freshwater Wetlands From Lake Simcoe Watershed (Southern Canada)

AbstractWe examined soil properties and accumulation rates over the last ca. 100 years in four swamps and four marshes in southern Canada where these wetlands are common but under increasing anthropogenic pressure. One 50‐cm long core was collected from each wetland and analyzed to determine bulk density (BD) and organic matter (OM). Lead‐210 and cesium‐137 dating were used to estimate sediment accumulation rates. In the datable portion of each core, we determined the organic carbon (Corg), nitrogen (N), Corg/OM, Corg/N, Corg density, Corg stocks, and Corg accumulation rates. All parameters but one—Corg accumulation rates—were significantly different in swamps compared to marshes and between seasonally wet soils and those regularly flooded. Since 1950, Corg stocks varied from 6 to 13.6 kg m−2 with ≈23% more Corg in swamps than in marshes. When hydrology and deeper soils where considered, Corg stocks in regularly flooded wetlands were 60% higher than those of seasonally wet systems, emphasizing the role of hydrology in building up C stocks long‐term. Our measurements are within the wide range reported for similar systems in North America. The average rate of Corg accumulation in the studied wetlands (112 ± 87 g m−2 yr−1) is ≈50% higher than that of oligotrophic/ombrotrophic peatlands, but ≈47% lower than in tidal marshes from eastern Canada. Our study lends support to the case for wetland restoration through re‐wetting as an important nature‐based climate solution for mitigation of GHG emissions in areas where they were drained for agriculture and other purposes.

Fabrication Challenges in Synthesizing Porous Ceramic Membrane to Effective Flue Gas Treatment

Global warming is a serious concern worldwide, while there are many contributors to rise the temperature of earth. One major source to it, is air pollution. It is of utmost importance to apply the necessary remedial actions to address the contaminants in outdoor and indoor environment. In this research a step is taken to treat flue gases, for which membrane technology is introduced. A porous ceramic membrane is synthesized from calcined porous alumina (Al2O3) and activated washed fly ash. Some other additives like starch (C6H10O5) n, binder solution along with ethyl silicate (C8H2O4Si) and a deflocculating agent carbonic acid (H2CO3), are employed. Alongside it, some of the issues are discussed which are faced during fabrication of porous ceramic membrane i.e., crakes in membrane sample, non-active reactants issue, un-even rise or fall during de-moisturization or sintering steps. Further, the membrane sample is characterized through different test including: Further, the membrane sample is characterized through different test including thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and DTG, which shown a satisfactory results, as there is negligible percentage weight loss after 750°C. X-ray fluorescence (XRF) for fly ash portrayal and X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis for structure assessing are conducted, which described that the fabricated membrane has a crystalline structure as like ceramic. Archimedes Principal technique is used to determine bulk density, and porosity of the membrane sample, the values are 4.484 g/cm3, and 62.5% respectively. Average pore size of 7.6 µm is find out through optical microscopy test, similarly mechanical strength is found to be 2.7 MPa. Furthermore, a pilot scale visual permeability test is performed for flue gases treatment of combusting fuel containing tyre and coal powder. The results show the compatibility of the fabricated porous ceramic membrane to be utilized for treatment of flue gases.

Forest carbon stock variation with altitude in bolale natural forest, Western Ethiopia

This study was initiated to assess forest carbon stock variation with altitude. A systematic sampling technique was used to select sample plots. A total of 36 (12 plots from each altitude class) square plots with size of 20 m × 20 m were obtained. Diameter at breast height (DBH) and height of individual trees of DBH > 5 cm were measured from all the selected sample plots. A total of 216 soil samples, 108 for analysis of soil organic carbon (SOC) fraction (% C), and 108 for bulk density determination (BD), were collected. Altitude had a significant effect on above and belowground tree biomass, and litter carbon stock, but not on deadwood, and soil organic carbon stock. The aboveground and belowground biomass and litter carbon were higher at lower altitudes, which were attributed to higher biomass production due to higher photosynthesis and higher net primary production. Soil organic carbon varied significantly with depth. A higher soil organic carbon stock was observed at the upper soil depth (0–10 cm). At lower soil depths, carbon stocks were smaller due to less plant residue and less biological activity in the deeper soil. In general, the study found that carbon density is high at lower altitudes and lower at higher altitudes. Therefore, altitude should be given due consideration for forest development and management for climate change mitigation. The result suggests that different governmental and nongovernmental organizations have to give due attention for forest conservation to reduce the CO2 emmission.

New Correlations for the Determination of Undrained Shear, Elastic Modulus, and Bulk Density Based on Dilatometer Tests (DMT) for Organic Soils in the South of Quito, Ecuador

The Marchetti Dilatometer test is a non-destructive in situ test that can be used to determine the geotechnical properties of soils. This paper presents the results of a study that investigated the correlations between the parameters obtained from the Marchetti Dilatometer test and geomechanical parameters for soft soils, mainly organic soils, obtained in the laboratory. The study was conducted in the El Garrochal sector in Southern Quito, Ecuador. The results of the study showed that there are significant correlations between the Marchetti Dilatometer test and the undrained shear strength, modulus of elasticity, and density of soil. The equations that were developed in this study can be used to estimate these geomechanical parameters from the results of the Marchetti Dilatometer test for the South Quito sector, which are valuable for geotechnical engineers to design structures in these types of soils. The equations that were developed in this study can be used to improve the accuracy of the design of these structures.

Impact of MHT9002HV Tracked Harvester on Forest Soil after Logging in Steeply Sloping Terrain

The article presents the results of measurements regarding the impact of the MHT9002HV tracked harvester on surface deformations and changing the physical parameters of the soil of three operational trails. The measurements were made in the terrain with a longitudinal slope of up to 14.9° (33.2%) and a transverse slope of up to 8.8° (17.9%). Spruce deadwood trees in mountain forest habitats were harvested. Static Eijkelkamp Penetrologger 0615SA and dynamic own design penetrometer were used to measure penetration resistance, soil samples were taken to determine bulk density, moisture content, and ground deformations on the trails were measured with a laser profilometer. A statistically significant increase in soil penetration resistance measured with penetrometers occurred for trails in the left rut at a depth of 16–20 cm. The change in the bulk density and moisture content proved statistically insignificant. The maximum ground deformation on the trails reached an average of 5.9 cm. The selection of a machine with low unit pressures (33 kPa), under the given favorable atmospheric conditions (there was a high temperature reaching 35 °C), with low soil moisture, protective organic layer of high thickness, and post-limbing residues, was optimal. The comparison of the results of the compactness measurements made with different penetrometers shows that the values obtained for the static penetrometer 0615SA are lower than those of the dynamic penetrometer of our own design. This is due to the lack of registration of high compactness in the memory of the 0615SA device. In the case of the impact penetrometer measurement, this problem does not occur, however, the presented solution does not allow performing a large number of measurements, and data processing in the case of such a simple solution is tedious. There is a need to develop a new penetrometer useful for determining soil compaction under similar difficult measurement conditions.

Comparison of Hydraulic and Aeration Properties of Peat Substrates Used to Produce Containerized White Spruce Seedlings (1+0) in Forest Nurseries

The physical properties of peat substrates from eight tree nurseries were characterized to determine bulk density, air-filled porosity, saturated hydraulic conductivity, pore effectiveness, relative gas diffusivity and chemical properties. There were significant variations among nurseries both in growth of white spruce [Picea glauca (Moench) Voss] seedlings (1+0) and substrate properties. Shoot dry mass and root collar diameter were negatively correlated with air-filled porosity and saturated hydraulic conductivity, whereas root dry mass was positively correlated with bulk density. Seedling growth increased with increasing substrate bulk density up to ~0.11 g cm−3, above which value conditions may become limiting to plant performance. Our results suggest that there was no growth limitation due to restricted aeration (Ds D0−1 > 0.005 m2 s−1 m−2 s for all substrates except one) and that over-aeration reduced seedling growth under dry irrigation management.

Analisis Potensi dan Status Kerusakan Tanah pada Lahan Kering Berbasis Sistem Informasi Geografis di Kecamatan Baturiti, Kabupaten Tabanan, Provinsi Bali

Analysis of Soil Degradation Potential and Status in Agricultural Dry Land Based on Geographic Information Systems in Baturiti Sub-District. Biomass production activities that do not pay attention to conservation principles can cause soil degradation. This will reduce the productivity of natural resources, forestry and agriculture. The purpose of this research are to determine the potential, status, and distribution of soil degradation on dry land farming in Baturiti Sub-district. The method used on this research is a comparative descriptive method. Based on overlay of land use map, slope map, and soil type map using geographic information system, 9 homogenous land units were obtained. The land use observed was mixed gardens and dry fields with field observations of surface rocks and solum depth. Samples were analyzed in the laboratory to determine bulk density, total porosity, texture, permeability, pH, DHL, and microbial count. Determination of degradation status based on standard criteria of soil degradation. The results showed three classes of potential soil degradation, namely the potential for mild soil degradation at Perean Tengah, medium soil degradation potential at Baturiti, Antapan, Luwus, Bangli, Angseri, Candikuning, and the high potential soil degradation at Antapan. The soil degradation status was found lightly damaged status with permeability limiting factors at Baturiti and partially Antapan, with limiting factors for permeability and composition of fractions at Candikuning and partially Antapan, limiting factors for permeability and porosity total at Perean Tengah.

The assessment and treatment of waste from glass fibre production for use as a filler in composites

Waste glass from fibreglass production is waste that is generated at various stages of production. In nature, it is a combination of glass fibres, fine dust, but also larger glass grains, for example also from leakages during production. This material is or may be contaminated by impregnation, lubricants or some impurities that prevent its recovery during production. The main objective of this study is to assess the suitability of glass fibre waste and to optimise the pre-treatment of the raw material for use in the composite. This paper describes the determination of chemical composition, mineralogical composition by X-ray diffraction analysis, determination of bulk density, water absorption and specific surface area. The results obtained are compared with the primary raw material - glass fibre. The results showed that the waste from glass fibre production is primarily composed of silica, calcium, alumina and boron. Minor components include magnesium oxide, sodium oxide, fluorine, iron oxide, strontium oxide, potassium oxide, titanium dioxide, sulphur dioxide and chromium oxide. The specific surface area of treated glass fibre waste correlates with the specific surface area of cement, which is a prerequisite for the use of this waste as a partial substitute for cement in the production of building materials.

Some Useful Guidelines for Whole Core CT-Scanning for Petrophysical Applications

From the time CT-scanning was introduced in the oil and gas industry, its use could be divided into SCAL and routine type applications. The first involves flowing fluids through the cores, whereas the second involves scanning, mainly the whole cores, in their native (preserved or unpreserved) state. For whole core CT-scanning, there has been a constant shift from qualitative to quantitative analysis. The size of whole cores is ideal for scanning them with a ‘converted’ medical CT-scanner but obtaining meaningful data requires more than just artifact-free images. In this paper, useful guidelines are offered for extracting meaningful quantitative data from whole core CT-scanning. Today’s fast, multi-slice medical CT-scanners generally provide sufficient image resolution for most of the whole core related applications. However, they usually require some modifications to the equipment and the calibration procedures. Special solid phantoms matching the size and density should be used for calibrating the scanner at different X-ray energies. A set of calibration ‘standards’ is necessary for converting the CT numbers into density and Zeff (Effective Atomic numbers), which should be scanned under the similar ‘environment’ as the whole cores. Using pilot scans is highly recommended for every core tube to reduce uncertainties. For dual energy scanning, it is important to take scans at the exact same locations, selecting the right energy pair and corresponding calibration tables. For image processing, important guidelines include aligning the first and last slices for selecting the largest region-of-interest, quality controlling each slice and assigning depths to each slice before converting from CT numbers to bulk density and Zeff. Additional information is provided for scanning with industrial CT-scanners which have both advantages and disadvantages. Guidelines such as the ones mentioned above allow the data from whole core CT imaging useful for a number of applications. Such data were successfully used for bulk density and porosity determination, heterogeneity quantification, lithology determination, dual-energy based mineralogy detection, density-based micro-imaging, core-log correlations and depth matching, fracture characterization, formation damage evaluation, and many others. Several examples are included in this paper. Adherence to strict guidelines helps extracting artifact-free, meaningful data on whole cores that can improve our understanding of rocks. This paper demonstrates at least 10 different applications of CT-scanners along with the proper guidelines that can be useful for engineers and geoscientists.