Keywords: Thresholds, soil quality, indicators
This project will investigate how soil sample size influences the magnitude of measured soil properties and the interpretation of soil function thresholds. Combining laboratory measurements of air permeability, air-filled porosity, water retention, bulk density and image analyses (micro-CT), students will test scale effects linked to the representative elementary volume and sample-wall interactions. Smaller cores commonly appear denser, with reduced air capacity and fewer captured macropores, while larger cores record greater heterogeneity and faster air flow. The study will quantify how flow length, wall friction, and missing macropores produce these biases and will compare measurements to critical thresholds for root growth and aeration.
Is field work part of the topic? Yes
Is lab work part of the topic? Yes
Is coding part of the thesis topic? Yes
Any time
Department of Agroecology, AU Viborg, 8830 Tjele
30 ECTS (IMSOGLO and Agrobiology): Theoretical thesis based on literature studies and/or analysis of issued and edited data sets.
45 ECTS (Agrobiology): Experimental theses in which the student is responsible for collection and analysis of his/her own original data
60 ECTS (Agrobiology): Experimental theses in which the student is responsible for planning, trial design and collection and analysis of his/her own original data.
The student should have basic knowledge of soil science.
Useful Reading
Fouladidorhani, M., Lamandé, M., Moitzi, G., Nawaz, M. M., & Arthur, E. (2025). Detection of negative consequences of traffic on subsoil properties depends on measurement type and scale: The case of a Calcaric Chernozem. Soil and Tillage Research, 252, 106615. doi: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.still.2025.106615
