Soil physics laboratory
Leader: NN
The soil physics laboratory at the Thuenen Institute of Forest Ecosystems is equipped with modern devices for determining the water retention and hydraulic conductivity of soils. Our current focus is on the hydraulic characterization of soils at points of the Forest Soil Condition Survey. For this purpose, samples are currently being taken throughout Germany as part of the third survey and analyzed in the laboratory.
We also participate in interlaboratory tests to improve soil physics measurement protocols and methods.
Equipment for physical and chemical analysis
10 HYPROP 2 (HYPROP 2, METER Group)
For simultaneous, high-resolution determination of water retention and unsaturated hydraulic conductivity in up to 10 undisturbed soil samples using the evaporation method. Two mini-tensiometers are installed in a saturated, undisturbed soil sample and placed on a scale. The system measures the change in weight and tension during the evaporation process.
2 pressure pots up to 5 or 15 bar (pressure plate extractors, soil moisture equipment)
For determining water retention up to pF 4.2 (15 bar) in undisturbed and disturbed soil sample material.
1 Ksat meter (KSAT, METER Group)
For precise determination of saturated hydraulic conductivity in undisturbed soil samples using the constant-head and falling-head methods.
1 pH bench meter (pH 50+ DHS, Dostmann)
pH and conductivity measurements on samples in aqueous solution.
Pipette system (KÖHN Pipette, Eijkelkamp)
For determining the silt and clay fraction of dried mineral soils.
Equipment for sample preparation
3 drying cabinets (universal cabinet 2xUFP800 and 1xUF750, Memmert)
For drying samples of organic and mineral soils.
1 knife mill (GM 300, Retsch)
Grinding and homogenization of organic substances.
Contact person
- Phone
- +49 3334 3820 304
- nicole.wellbrock@thuenen.de
Head of Soil protection and forest health, Contact person National Forest Soil Survey and Crown Condition Survey