Quantification of soil macro pore size and shape using resin impregnation

Abstract

Subtle changes in soil pore size and shape as a consequence of changes in land use and management practices can have significant impacts on the movement of air, water, plant roots and soil biota. This paper describes a resin impregnation technique adapted for use in New Zealand pasture soils to quantify these soil pore attributes. Image analysis of the resin impregnated soil enables detailed assessment of soil pore shape and macro pore size distribution (>50 µm). © 2012 The Royal Society of New Zealand.