Soil Physical Properties

This laboratory has most of the standard instruments to characterise the hydraulic properties of about a hundred soil samples at the same time.

Retention curve

For the retention curve, the following equipment is available :

• two sandboxes to characterise the retention curve of about 90 soil samples from pF 0 to pF 1.8.
• six pressure plate extractors for the retention curve between pF 2 and 4.2.
• a water potential analyser for high pF by psychrometry (WP4C).
• a 10 cell HyProp system (evaporation method) for 100 & 250 cm³ soil samples.

Hydraulic conductivity curve

For the hydraulic conductivity curve :

• a permeameter for the saturated hydraulic conductivity. (Closed system - 10 holders)
• 3 KSAT units ;
• the HyProp system.

Soil structural stability

QuantiSlake tests can be carried out:

• 2 soil samples of 100cm³ can be processed at the same time. (Raspberry Pi + Scales)

Remarks

In addition, the laboratory has several instruments for in situ measurements: pressure & suction infiltrometers, TDR probes, tensiometers, etc. and equipment for soil sampling (Rings of 100, 250, 1000 cm³).

It can be found at B.230 (De Serres building). For any information or request for use, please contact:

• Olivier Lebbe (Technical manager)
• Basile Delvoie (Scientific manager)
• Mathieu Javaux (Academic head)
• Sébastien François (ELIe technician)

Visit  intranet for more information !