An experimental setup to prepare root-free mycorrhizal soil specimen for hydraulic conductivity measurement

Chen, Xun Wen1,2; Coo, Jason Lim3; So, Pui San3; Wang, Jun-Jian2; Ng, Charles Wang Wai3; Wong, Ming Hung4,5

2022

10.1007/s11368-022-03137-8

JOURNAL OF SOILS AND SEDIMENTS   影响因子和分区

1439-0108

1614-7480

Purpose The common mycorrhizal fungi associated with plant roots can reach a wide region in soil free of roots. The fungal hyphae and the generated organic matter affect soil hydraulic conductivity. Such an influence is so far not rigorously studied in the context of geotechnical systems subjected to the ecological process. Methods Here, we designed a new experimental setup to prepare density-controlled and intact root-free mycorrhizal soil, which could be readily transferred to the subsequent measurement of hydraulic conductivity. The soil column setup contains two compartments (with specific dimensions) which are separated by a nylon mesh. The upper compartment allows the establishment of both plant root and fungus, while the lower one allows the growth of fungal hyphae only, based on the nature that diameters of root and fungal hyphae are significantly different. Results Six root-free soil samples, including three non-mycorrhizal and three mycorrhizal samples, were obtained, and the hydraulic conductivities were successfully measured. Conclusion Our design allows further control and adjustment of the degree of soil compaction and level of soil saturation. Different plant and fungal species could be used according to field conditions.

Permeability Water infiltration Ecological process Plant-fungus interaction Glomalin Geotechnical systems

SCI

英语

其他

Collaborative Research Fund from the Research Grants Council, Hong Kong[HKUST6/CRF/12R] ; General Research Fund, Hong Kong SAR[16207521] ; Department of Education of Guangdong Province, China[2020KCXTD006]

Environmental Sciences & Ecology ; Agriculture

Environmental Sciences ; Soil Science

WOS:000742282900001

SPRINGER HEIDELBERG

AGRICULTURAL SCIENCES

Web of Science

1.Jinan Univ, Coll Life Sci & Technol, Guangdong Prov Res Ctr Environm Pollut Control &, Dept Ecol, Guangzhou 510632, Peoples R China
2.Southern Univ Sci & Technol, Sch Environm Sci & Engn, State Environm Protect Key Lab Integrated Surface, Shenzhen 518055, Peoples R China
3.Hong Kong Univ Sci & Technol, Dept Civil & Environm Engn, Kowloon, Clear Water Bay, Hong Kong, Peoples R China
4.Educ Univ Hong Kong, Environm Educ & Res CHEER, Tai Po, Hong Kong, Peoples R China
5.Educ Univ Hong Kong, Dept Sci & Environm Studies, Consortium Hlth, Tai Po, Hong Kong, Peoples R China

Chen, Xun Wen,Coo, Jason Lim,So, Pui San,et al. An experimental setup to prepare root-free mycorrhizal soil specimen for hydraulic conductivity measurement[J]. JOURNAL OF SOILS AND SEDIMENTS,2022.

Chen, Xun Wen,Coo, Jason Lim,So, Pui San,Wang, Jun-Jian,Ng, Charles Wang Wai,&Wong, Ming Hung.(2022).An experimental setup to prepare root-free mycorrhizal soil specimen for hydraulic conductivity measurement.JOURNAL OF SOILS AND SEDIMENTS.

Chen, Xun Wen,et al."An experimental setup to prepare root-free mycorrhizal soil specimen for hydraulic conductivity measurement".JOURNAL OF SOILS AND SEDIMENTS (2022).