Project B7 - Transregional Collaborative Research Centre 32

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Soil structure and mass transfer with NMR: From pore-scale patterns to meter-scale hydraulics

Research Area:
Hydrology, Physical Chemistry

project b7

Characterization of soil structures, patterns and their influence on water transport in the vadose zone by means of nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR).
Non-invasive technique for
- distribution and pore-scale transport of soil moisture
- soil texture and (centi)meter-scale soil hydraulics characterized by NMR relaxation times
- imaging (MRI) of macropore structures and matrix water in soil cores
Bridging the gap between pore-scale and macro-scale soil hydraulics empirically
Data base for modelling
NMR soil-typing primarily performed in laboratory environments using home-built NMR hardware, such as the NMR MOUSE, a single-sided sensor and profiler (Slim Line Logging Tool, SLL, Figure 1), and Halbach arrays for volumetric measurements.
New combi-sensor (SLL Mark II) for simultaneous measurement of NMR relaxometry, water potential, and electrical impedance, cooperation with B8 (N. Klitzsch, RWTH Aachen)
5 workpackages:
- WP 1: In situ NMR characterization of soil hydraulics and patterns in the vadose zone. NMR relaxometry of systematically sampled soil cores, and monitoring of the formation of thin dry insulating layers hindering further evaporation by a single sided NMR sensor
- WP 2: Assessment of dual matrix and macropore flow in soil cores. NMR relaxometry and imaging (MRI) of soil cores. Development of a procedure for discrimination by analysis of relaxation times.
- WP 3: Joint NMR and (S)IP logging – Bridging pore-scale and meter-scale soil hydrology
- WP 4: Modelling of matrix and macropore flow on the basis of data gained in WPs 1-3: How important is macropore flow for the overall water balance?
- WP 5: Joint interpretation of NMR and other geophysical data