Soil Pore Research Articles

Evaluation of Soil Physical Properties in Natural and Conventional Farming in the Northern Dry Zone of Karnataka, India

This study examines variations in soil properties resulting from natural and conventional farming (Farmer Practices) methods across three distinct duration categories (less than 5 years, 5 to 10 years and 10 to 15 years) in the Northern Dry Zone of Karnataka. The results revealed that natural farming consistently produced lower soil bulk density, higher soil porosity, greater water-holding capacity and improved aggregate stability when compared to conventional farming practices. Over time, natural farming led to a decrease in bulk density; however, conventional practices showed an increase. Soil porosity, water-holding capacity and aggregate stability also saw improvement with natural farming because of the incorporation of organic matter, no-tillage methods and minimal disturbance. Conventional farming practices, which involved intensive tillage and the application of chemical inputs, resulted in soil compaction and structural degradation. Additionally, soil color became darker over time under natural farming, indicating a higher organic matter content; whereas, conventional practices contributed to lighter soil hues.

Optimizing nano-sized oxygen bubble application for prolonged aerobic degradation of BTEX in contaminated groundwater.

This study investigates the use of nano-sized oxygen bubbles (NOBs) to enhance BTEX (benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene, xylene) biodegradation in groundwater. Optimized NOBs, averaging 155nm and at a concentration of 6.59×10⁸ bubbles/mL, were found to provide sustained oxygen release with a half-life of approximately 50 days. Laboratory column experiments demonstrated that NOBs released up to 380% more oxygen than initially injected, significantly boosting BTEX degradation. The repeated injection of NOBs increased the volume of trapped bubbles within soil pores, enhancing long-term oxygen release efficiency by expanding the available gas phase within the porous matrix. NOB treatment resulted in markedly lower effluent BTEX concentrations and elevated gene expression linked to BTEX-degrading enzymes. This mechanism supports the sustainability of NOBs as an oxygen source, maintaining aerobic conditions over extended periods. Compared to traditional oxygen sources, NOBs improve oxygen solubility without introducing secondary pollutants, offering a novel in situ remediation strategy for urban groundwater contamination, thereby supporting long-term monitored natural attenuation (MNA).

Soil pore structure may affect microbial communities involved in carbon cycling during thaw slumps development

Soil pore structure may affect microbial communities involved in carbon cycling during thaw slumps development

A weakly supervised soil pore segmentation method based on traditional segmentation algorithm

A weakly supervised soil pore segmentation method based on traditional segmentation algorithm

Uptake kinetics and distribution of flupyrimin by rice (Oryza sativa L.): Effects of subcellular fractionation and soil factors.

Flupyrimin is an emerging neonicotinoid insecticide primarily used to control rice planthoppers. However, knowledge gaps exist regarding its uptake and transport in rice planting systems. Elucidating the absorption and distribution properties of flupyrimin in rice will help assess the potential risks of human exposure to flupyrimin via the food chain. Here, we studied the uptake kinetics and transport mechanisms of flupyrimin in rice plants grown under hydroponic and soil conditions. The hydroponic experiment indicated that flupyrimin was easily taken up by rice roots via a symplastic passive diffusion process and was mainly distributed in the cell soluble fractions (50.6 %－88.0 %). Compared with transportation from the roots to the stems, flupyrimin was ultimately transported from the stems to the leaves with a greater translocation factor (TF) (TFLeave/Stem = 27.8 > TFStem/Root = 3.1). In rice-soil systems, the accumulation of flupyrimin by rice plants is influenced primarily by the soil organic matter content, which leads to increased adsorption of flupyrimin onto soils (R2 > 0.897, P < 0.014). Interestingly, the concentration of flupyrimin in rice was significantly positively correlated with its amount in the soil pore water (CIPW) (R2 > 0.967, P < 0.003), indicating that the uptake and accumulation of flupyrimin in rice planting systems can be estimated by CIPW. These findings enhance our knowledge of flupyrimin absorption and distribution in rice plants from treated soils and are important for guiding its field application and conducting environmental risk assessments.

Natural recovery of different soil types after passes by wheeled military truck: Implications for soil as a ground for follow-on mobility operations

The trafficking of off-road military vehicles generates disturbed soil conditions. Thus, former active combat areas can have a serious effect on subsequent operations. More precisely, an uneven soil surface will remarkably increase the vibration of travelling vehicles, and over-compacted as well as displaced soil layers affect soil water dynamics that, in turn, have a long-lasting effect on soil strength. In addition, soil as a habitat for plants must provide air, water, and nutrients for the plants to grow. Luckily, soil can naturally recover from being disturbed thanks to freezing-thawing cycles, wetting–drying cycles, and biological activity. However, the rate of recovery depends on the physical parameters of soil. The objective of this study was to monitor and summarize the natural recovery rate of soils. As an experiment, single pass and repeated passes with military trucks (total weight 70 kN) were carried out. The ruts that formed were monitored and soil samples were collected up to 2 years after wheeling. The rut depth, cone index values, bulk density, soil moisture content as well as field-saturated hydraulic conductivity were measured and soil pore size distribution was determined in a laboratory during the entire studied recovery period. The results about the natural recovery on different soils are presented herein.

Zero-Tillage Induces Reduced Bio-Efficacy Against Weed Species Amaranthus retroflexus L. Dependent on Atrazine Formulation

Zero-tillage (ZT) is a conservation soil management approach which relies more heavily on herbicide application for weed control than in ploughed soil. Changes in soil management can influence the structure and organisation of pore space in soil, which drives changes in the transport of particulates and dissolved substances. Formulation of pesticides can be used to change the delivery of active ingredients to soil; however, it is currently unknown how changing the formulation of an herbicide can influence the transport properties between ZT vs. ploughing. We investigated the bioefficacy of two formulations of the herbicide atrazine, a pre- and post-emergence herbicide that inhibits photosystem II. Bioefficacy was assessed using physical measures and survival analysis of an early photosynthesis-dependent weed species, Amaranthus retroflexus L., over time, and soil pore network structure was assessed by analysing three-dimensional images produced by X-ray Computed Tomography. Increasing the herbicide application rate generally improved bioefficacy, though it was reduced in soils managed under ZT. Under herbicide-treated ZT samples, survival time was higher, ranging from 13.4 to 18.2 days compared with 12.6 to 15.4 days in ploughed samples, the mean dry plant mass was higher, ranging from 0.5 to 2.5 mg compared with 0.05 to 0.68 mg in ploughed samples, and the mean total plant length was higher, ranging from 1.73 to 12.1 mm compared with 0.2 to 5.45 mm in ploughed samples. Changes in the soil pore network previously demonstrated to be indicators of preferential transport were correlated with measures of bioefficacy, including pore thickness and connectivity density. Reduced atrazine efficacy under ZT is problematic considering the inherent reliance on chemical methods for weed control, we suggest that pursuing formulation strategies to alleviate potential risks of loss via preferential transport may be fruitful.

Impact of tourist and recreational activities on the indicators of soil-ecological monitoring of the adjacent territory of Lake Teletskoe (Altai Mountains)

Relevance. The increasing recreational load on the ecosystems of the Lake Teletskoe basin, its related obvious damage and the necessity to quantify the ongoing transformations. Aim. To assess the current state of a soil cover of the adjacent territory of Lake Teletskoe in terms of tourism and recreation impact. Methods. Comparative geographical and chemical as well as soil-ecological monitoring of studied indicators of early, short- and long-term diagnostics. Results and conclusions. Because of the tourist activities in the coastal zone of the mountain-forest belt of Lake Teletskoe, a developed path network transforming its natural ecosystems appeared. Some parameters of soil properties and composition on this path and in the sites not affected by recreation differed significantly. The analysis of water extract showed the decrease in acidity, the reduced content of ammonium and nitrate nitrogen, phosphates, a change in the concentration of calcium cations, potassium and magnesium in the top soil layer on the path, as compared to the undisturbed places. Soil trampling by recreants has damaged litter, decreased its thickness or completely destructed the promenade area. Reduction in litter reserves on the moderately developed paths exceeded by more than 2.7–4.0 times, whereas on the well-defined ones (as in the Altai State Biosphere Reserve with the established systemized movement across the territory), litter was absent at all on a few or even single paths. On weakly developed (fresh) paths, litter reserves turned out to be even higher than on the undisturbed areas or on the paths located next to a gravel site. Recreational loads were responsible for the 1.2–1.7 times increase in soil density of the upper (0–5 cm) layer, accompanied by a decrease in soil porosity and air supply. The hardness of soil was 1.3–1.5 times higher on the path than around it. The tourist effect on general physical properties of soil was traced to a depth of 20–30 cm, but maximum changes were noted in its upper (0–5 cm) layer. Recreational loads did not impact essentially on the aggregate soil composition. No significant changes, caused by tourist and recreational activities, were found in the elemental chemical composition of soils. The content of nutrients and lead were within the background and did not exceed the standardized values. The detected high concentrations of arsenic were not associated with the influence of tourist and recreational activities.

Study on the Influence of Heat Exchange of Static Drill Rooted Energy Pile on the Consolidation of Coastal Soft Soil Site

ABSTRACTThe use of static drill‐rooted energy piles in deep soft soil foundations causes thermal exchange between the piles and the surrounding soil, resulting in excess pore pressure and consolidation settlement in the soft soil layer around the piles, which affects the long‐term deformation of the site. To investigate the impact of the operation of this novel energy pile on the consolidation of the soil around the pile, a simulation analysis was conducted using the ABAQUS software to assess the soil temperature, pore pressure, and consolidation settlement around the static drill rooted energy pile group under a 120‐day heating and cooling cycle. The research findings indicated that the temperature change decreased as the distance between the soil and the pile increased, resulting in less thermal consolidation settlement and pore pressure variations. Heating conditions (ΔT = 18.7°C) resulted in a 17°C increase in the soil temperature below the center of the pile group, with temperature changes becoming negligible beyond 8D. The maximum pore pressure variations in the soil occurred at 2D and 6D distances from the pile, with values of 1.24 and 1.12 kPa, respectively. Under heating conditions, the surface settlement at a 2D distance from the pile group was 6.19 mm, which increased to about 10 mm under heating–cooling cycles. These research findings provide a foundation for analyzing the environmental impact of novel energy piles in coastal areas.

Role of Gypsum in Reclaiming Saline-Sodic Soils to Improving Soil Health and Enhancing Productivity

Salinization and sodification of soil are a widespread concern, The United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) reported that it affected 833 billion hectares of land worldwide. Gypsum is frequently utilized to restore saline-sodic and sodic soils due to solubility, cheap cost, availability, and simplicity of handling. The experiment was conducted at the experimental station of the Department of Land and Water Management, Faculty of Agricultural Engineering, Sindh Agriculture University, Tandojam, during the year 2021- 2022. The reclamation of saline-sodic soil under the influence of varying gypsum levels was investigated in a pot experiment. The research was set up in three replicated complete randomized designs (CRD), each with a total pot size of 30 x 30 cm (900cm2). G0 = 0 gypsum requirement (control treatment), G1 = 1/2 gypsum requirement, G2 = 1/3 gypsum requirement, and G3 = 1/4 gypsum requirement were the treatments prepared. After the leaching of water, the different soil properties were tested. According to the subject study, applying gypsum with various treatments reduced soil bulk density, dry density, water holding capacity, pH, EC, SAR, and ESP. The G1 was shown to be the most effective dosage among the various treatments because it lowers the maximum soil bulk density to 1.16 g/cm3 after leaching. Likewise, the overall maximum reduction in dry density, water holding capacity, pH, EC, SAR, and ESP after leaching was 1.42 g/m3, 27.07 %, 7.88, 3.21 dSm-1, 16.25 %, and 16 % for the same treatment and only increased the soil porosity to 56.22% after leaching. The application of G1=1/2 of the soil's recommended gypsum dose appears to be the most cost-effective way to recover saline-sodic soil.

The geotechnical behavior and microstructural characteristics of the alkaline residue/cement stabilized expansive soil under wetting-drying cycles

In order to explore the geotechnical behavior of expansive soil stabilized by alkaline residue/cement (ARC) under wetting-drying (W-D) cycles, the shrink-swell characteristics, unconfined compressive strength (UCS), compressibility and microstructural characteristics are experimentally investigated in this study. The findings indicate that the incorporation of ARC, particularly with an alkaline residue (AR) content of less than 5%, significantly mitigates the shrink-swell behavior, reduces soil compressibility, and enhances the UCS of the soil. Beyond this threshold, the soil's strength decreases and compressibility increases with increasing W-D cycles. Microstructural analysis reveals the formation of beneficial cementitious products such as C-A-H, C-S-H, and AFt, which contribute to improve engineering performance in the early stages of W-D cycles. Nevertheless, as the W-D cycles continue, these beneficial products diminish, leading to an increase in soil cracks and pores, which indicates a degradation in soil performance. The research posits that ARC can effectively serve as a partial substitute for cement in the stabilization of expansive soils, with the amount of AR within 5%. Despite ARC's environmental advantages as an alternative binder, it may encompass harmful elements. Therefore, a comprehensive environmental risk assessment is essential. Further studies are needed to discern the enduring effects of environmental variables on soils stabilized with ARC.

Relationship between Topographic Wetness Index and Soil Physical Properties in Cikapundung Sub-watershed Using Geographic Information Systems

Purpose: This study aimed to analyze the relationship between Topographic Wetness Index (TWI) and soil physical properties (permeability, porosity, bulk density, and soil moisture content) and their spatial distribution in the Cikapundung Sub-watershed. Methods: A survey method was conducted through descriptive, correlation, and interpolation approaches. Thirty soil samples were collected based on a two-way stratification method using TWI and slope gradient. TWI was derived from Digital Elevation Model (DEM) data using GIS. Soil physical properties were analyzed in laboratory and their spatial distribution was mapped using interpolation techniques. Results: TWI showed varying degrees of correlation with soil physical properties: significant positive correlation with soil permeability (r = 0.37), weak negative correlation with soil moisture content (r = -0.30), and very weak correlations with bulk density and soil porosity (r = -0.03 and r = 0.03). Spatial analysis revealed heterogeneous distribution patterns of soil physical properties across the sub-watershed. Conclusion: TWI can only be effectively used as a single predictor for soil permeability, but not for bulk density, porosity, and soil moisture content in the Cikapundung Sub-watershed. This suggests the need for additional environmental parameters when predicting these soil physical properties.

Mechanical Properties Test and Microscopic Mechanism of Lignin Combined with EICP to Improve Silty Clay

To enhance the improvement effect of Enzyme-Induced Carbonate Precipitation (EICP) technology more effectively, an abundant renewable resource—lignin—was introduced as an additive during the EICP modification process of silty clay. The mechanical properties of the improved soil specimens were analyzed from a macroscopic point of view by using unconsolidated undrained (UU) triaxial tests and unconfined compressive strength (UCS) tests to determine the optimal lignin content and curing time. The micro-mechanism of the improved soil specimens was elucidated from the microscopic point of view by combining scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and X-ray diffraction (XRD) tests. The experimental results showed that lignin synergized with EICP could effectively improve the mechanical properties of the soil, and the mechanical properties of the co-consolidated soil specimens were better than those of the single consolidated and untreated soil specimens as a whole. The single EICP-consolidated soil specimen had undergone brittle damage; lignin could enhance the toughness of the soil and weaken its brittle characteristics. With the increase of lignin content, the mechanical indicators of co-consolidated soil specimens showed the trend of increasing and then decreasing, and reached the optimum at 0.75%. Moreover, the addition of lignin significantly increased the cohesive force, while the friction angle was less affected. With extended curing time, the mechanical indicators of the co-consolidated soil specimens increased overall, and tended to stabilize after 7 days of curing, hence selecting 7 days as the optimal curing time. From the microscopic point of view, lignin provides nucleation sites for the calcium carbonate precipitates generated by EICP, and the joint action of the two can fill the soil pores and cement the soil particles, thereby improving the overall strength of the soil. The results of the study can provide a theoretical basis and practical reference for the construction of foundation projects in silty clay areas.

Exploring the utility of different bulking agents for speeding up the composting process of household kitchen waste

Household kitchen waste (HKW) is produced in large quantity and its management is difficult due to high moisture content and complex organic matter. Aerobic composting of HKW is an easy, efficient, cost-effective and eco-friendly method. This study is designed to achieve a zero-waste concept and to convert HKW. We optimized the type and size of three different bulking agents to speed up the composting process. The tested bulking agents were fallen leaves, sawdust and fly ash. The results showed a higher and longer thermophilic phase (55oC) for 11 days in C2. Higher moisture content (69%) and higher organic matter degradation (38.4%) were also observed in C2. The pH range in all compost treatments was 7-8.5, Electrical conductivity range was 1.8–3.55 mS/cm, C/N ratio range was 15.4–18.1, water holding capacity range was 3.25–4.3 g water/g dry sample, total potassium range was 1.52–1.61%, total phosphorous range was 0.83–1.14%. The highest germination index (119.1%) was also obtained in C2. The highest chili height (16.7 cm), greater number of leaves (20), greater shoot fresh weight (4.75 g) and root fresh weight (1.2 g) was obtained in the presence of C2. Similarly, greater water WHC (2.8 g water/g DW), higher porosity (55.49%) and higher aggregate stability (54.14%) of soil was also obtained by C2. This research effectively reduced the maturation time to 32 days and converted kitchen waste into compost (resource). This is a very practical idea for home composting and kitchen gardening to combat food security issues in developing countries.

Long-Term Effect of Different Cropping Systems on Soil Physico-chemical Properties of Soil: Environmental Implications and Sustainability

Rice (Oryza sativa L.)-wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) a dominant cropping system in Punjab Region, Northwestern India, overtime is believed to have negative effect on the soil and water quality. The present study was conducted in an ongoing long-term experiment at the research farm of the School of Organic Farming, Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana, to compare the effect of different cropping systems on soil physico-chemical properties. Ten treatments (cropping systems) were laid in a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD). The treatments were rice-wheat (CS1), maize-wheat (CS2), basmati rice-wheat-cowpea green manure (CS3), maize-mustard-cowpea green manure (CS4), maize-potato-spring groundnut (CS5), maize-peas-spring groundnut (CS6), maize+ cowpea (fodder)-maize fodder-oats fodder-sathi maize fodder (CS7), sorghum multicut fodder-barseem fodder (CS8), maize (cobs/fodder)-potato-onion (CS9), and baby corn-potato-okra (CS10). Soil samples were collected from four soil depths (0-7.5, 7.5-15, 15-22.5, and 22.5-30 cm) under each cropping system and analyzed for particles size, soil pH, EC, soil organic carbon, aggregate associated carbon, bulk density, porosity, water stable aggregates, MWD, and penetration resistance. Significantly lower soil pH was reported in CS4 and CS8 compared to other cropping systems. Soil EC was significantly higher in CS5 and CS10 while lowest in CS4. Soil organic carbon (SOC), aggregate-associated carbon (AAC), and mean weight diameter (MWD) were significantly higher in CS7 and CS4. Soil bulk density (BD) and penetration resistance (PR) were significantly higher in CS1 and lowest in CS4. SOC was 19% higher in CS7 and BD was 16% lower in CS4 compared to CS1. Soil porosity and water-stable aggregates (WSA) were also found significantly higher in CS4 and CS7 whereas lowest in CS1. The increase in soil depths significantly increased the soil pH, BD and PR, whereas decreased the soil EC, SOC, AAC, porosity, MWD, and WSA. The cropping systems (CS4, CS7, CS8, CS6, CS5, CS3) with green manure/legume/fodder crops in rotation resulted in better physico-chemical properties through the addition of organic matter to the soil compared to cereal-cereal rotations.

Mitigating soil compaction and enhancing corn (Zea mays L.) growth through biological and non-biological amendments

Soil compaction is a pressing issue in agriculture that significantly hinders plant growth and soil health, necessitating effective strategies for mitigation. This study examined the effects of sugarcane bagasse, both in its raw form and as biochar, along with biological activators (Bacillus simplex UTT1 and Phanerochaete chrysosporium) on soil characteristics and corn (Zea mays L.) plant biomass in a compacted soil. Using a completely randomized factorial design, we assessed their impact on soil bulk density, porosity, nutrient concentrations, and plant growth parameters. Results indicated that combining organic amendments with microbial inoculation (B. simplex UTT1 + P. chrysosporium) significantly reduced soil bulk density (7–14%) (p < 0.05) and enhanced soil aggregate stability (38%), soil permeability coefficient (52%), and total porosity (40%) (p < 0.01) compared to controls. Notably, the application of biochar and microbial inoculants improved soil moisture retention (p < 0.05) and soil nutrient availability, particularly potassium and phosphorus, which increased by 18% and 23%, respectively. Plant biomass responses (10–35%) varied, with combined microbial treatments (B. simplex UTT1 + P. chrysosporium) yielding optimal outcomes (p < 0.01) compared to individual applications. The study emphasizes that integrating organic amendments with biological processes not only mitigates soil compaction but also fosters soil health and productivity. These findings support the need for sustainable agricultural practices, highlighting the role of effective resource management in enhancing soil structure and crop yields. Future research should focus on understanding the underlying mechanisms of these interactions and their long-term implications for soil health and agricultural sustainability.Clinical trial number Not applicable.

Effect of Speciation Transformation of Cadmium (Cd) on P-Wave Velocity Under Moisture Regulation in Soils.

This study aims to investigate the influence of cadmium (Cd) speciation transformation on P-wave velocity under different soil moisture conditions, providing critical insights into the subsurface characteristics of contaminated soils. Taking Cd-contaminated soil as the research subject, P-wave velocity and the speciation distribution of Cd in soils with different moisture contents and Cd adsorption levels were measured. The results reveal that when the soil is contaminated by Cd, the porosity is altered and it eventually lead to change P-wave velocity. By increasing the moisture content of soils, the redox potential (Eh) rises and the pH decreases, which lead to the speciation transformation of Cd from carbonate-bound state (CAB), Fe-Mn oxide-bound state (FMO), and organic and sulfide-bound state (ORB) to the exchangeable state (EX). These transformations of Cd to EX result in the increase in soil porosity, which lead to the decrease in P-wave velocity. In addition, linear regression analysis was conducted the P-wave velocity (∆V) and the EX (∆EX) at various Cd adsorption levels. The analysis shows that there is a strong linear relationship between exchangeable Cd content and P-wave velocity, and the determination coefficient is about 0.9, which provides a reliable basis for monitoring soil Cd contamination by using P-wave velocity. This study provides valuable insights into the relationship between the speciation distribution of heavy metals in soil and the properties of acoustic wave.

Microtopography-induced hydrological heterogeneity promotes the co-assembly of vascular plant and biocrust communities, providing synergistic protective functions for the Great Wall.

The Great Wall in China, constructed from rammed earth, faces threats from natural erosion. Vascular plants and biocrusts have enhanced the stability of the Great Wall through various mechanisms; however, understanding of the colonization processes of vascular plants and biocrusts on the wall, as well as their protective mechanisms, remains limited. This study investigated the vascular plant communities, biocrusts, soil moisture content, soil properties, aggregate mechanical stability, aggregate water stability, and soil erodibility factors across seven fine-scale microtopographies of the Great Wall (lower, middle, and upper zones on the east and west faces, as well as the wall crest). After rainfall events and under no-rainfall conditions, soil moisture content was higher at the crest compared to the lower zones on both sides; this demonstrates that microtopography significantly influences soil moisture distribution through rainfall distribution. Soil moisture content was positively correlated with variables associated with vascular plant communities (except evenness) and moss crust (p<0.05). This suggests that the microtopography of the wall and its induced water heterogeneity drive the distribution pattern of vascular plant communities and moss crusts. Vascular plant communities and moss crusts significantly enhanced the mechanical and water stability of soil aggregates, reducing soil erosion susceptibility by providing physical protective cover, increasing the content of mechanically stable and water-stable macroaggregates, and enhancing soil silt and clay content, soil porosity, and water-holding capacity. Based on the regulation of vascular plant communities and biocrusts by microtopography, a restoration framework was proposed, offering a theoretical foundation and practical methods for the protection of the wall and similar earthen heritage sites.

Chemical and Physical Analysis of Different Types of Soil in India

This study examines the chemical and physical properties of soils across various regions of India, focusing on their agricultural production and environmental sustainability. Chemical testing revealed notable variations in soil pH and nutrient content. Phosphorus ran from 15 to 47 ppm; potassium from 180 to 270 ppm; nitrogen from 12 to 22 ppm; and pH from 5.4 to 6.8. Revealing the intricate interactions among several components improves correlation analysis and offers important information for the development of concentrated soil management strategies. The soil structure determines water retention capacity and nutrient availability regardless of loam, sand, or clayey. Studies of heavy metals revealed varying degrees of mercury, cadmium, arsenic, and lead all around India. Since it shows the changes in easily available water over time, the moisture content of the soil is vital for irrigation planning and agriculture. Emphasising the need of soil porosity (28.45% to 40.17%) and permeability (7.83 to 11.23 cm/hr) for water movement and root penetration is absolutely vital. These findings support informed decision-making in soil management, promoting sustainable agricultural practices tailored to regional soil characteristics.

Coupled Electric‐Thermal Damage Model for Lightning Strikes on Buried Pipeline

ABSTRACTA coupled electrothermal damage theory model for pipelines is proposed to assess the failure behavior of buried pipelines under lightning strikes. This article considers local thermal nonequilibrium (LTNE) conditions in the soil–water porous medium and the nonlinear characteristics of lightning functions. The calculation results show that the proposed theoretical model has better applicability and accuracy compared with previous models. Parametric analysis shows that under lightning conditions of Im = 20 kA and T1/T2 = 1.2/50 μs, the maximum local temperature of the soil around the pipeline can reach 2160 K, leading to pipeline breakdown. Metal pipelines are shown to be more effective in conducting charges, which alters the electric field distribution in the soil and impacts the formation of plasma channels. The half‐peak value of the lightning waveform has a significant impact on pipeline breakdown, and its increase will increase the risk of pipeline breakdown gradually. When considering LTNE conditions, the change in the pipeline surface temperature becomes more pronounced. Under 8/30 and 8/40 μs lightning waveforms, the pipeline surface temperature is approximately 150 and 550 K higher, respectively, compared with the thermal equilibrium conditions. The thermal conductivity and porosity of backfill soil can also affect the thermal damage of lightning‐struck pipelines. With clay filling, the highest pipeline surface temperature can reach 2590 K, while with fine sand and coarse sand, it is 1980 and 1510 K, respectively. The pipeline lightning disaster model proposed in this article has engineering significance for the investigation of pipeline lightning failure and disaster prevention mechanisms.