ESG Soil Physics Laboratories

Soil hydraulic characteristics are crucial as input parameters for complicated numerical simulation models to predict water and solute transport. Most techniques used in our soil physics laboratories are focused therefore on the determination of these characteristics. The models are used to quantify and integrate soil physical, chemical and biological processes. The results are used in a variety of studies on land evaluation, water management, environmental studies, soil protection, nature conservation, erosion control and climate change. Famous and important results are the Dutch Staringreeks (a catalogue of soil hydraulic properties) and the European equivalent Hypres. Recent examples are measurements on samples of the dike collapse of Wilnis in the night of August 26th, 2003 or greenhouse gas emission measurements which contribute to discussions about climate change. Also the recently developed polymer tensiometer, the physical description of Rockwool as a plant substratum in greenhouses, or suitability questions regarding nature target types and essential contributions to soil classifications are issues for the Soil Physics Labs.

Photo: Eduard Hummelink, Alterra

The labs are a collaboration of:
Alterra-Soil Center; 
University-Soil Physics, Ecohydrology and Groundwater Management Group; 
University-Land Degradation and Development Group and
University-Soil Biology and Biological Soil Quality Group.

The link below gives you an overview of the measurement techniques that are available in the lab. If you would like to do one of these measurements or if you have a special request, please contact us!

Contact: Harm Gooren, tel: +31 317-4 83707, harm.gooren@wur.nl or Gerben Bakker, tel: +31 317-4 86537, gerben.bakker@wur.nl