Pores Reconfiguration in Compacted Bernam Series Soil | Science Publications

American Journal of Applied Sciences

Zuraidah Yahya¹  Jamal Talib¹  Mohamadu B. Jalloh¹  Siti Z. Darus¹  Jamarei Othman¹  Aminuddin Husin¹  Osumanu H. Ahmed¹ 

关键词: Mechanization;    soil compaction;    soil pore reconfiguration;    thin sections image analysis;   

DOI  :  10.3844/ajassp.2011.212.216

学科分类：自然科学（综合）

来源: Science Publications

【 摘 要 】

Problem statement: The introduction of mechanization in oil palm (Elaeis guineensis)plantations resulted in soil compaction with increased bulk density and reduced porosity due toreconfiguration of soil pores. This could be a serious problem in the future as soil pores are importantfor aeration and water movement. Approach: This study was carried out to determine the effect ofmechanization on the morphological characteristics of pores of Bernam series soil. The treated plotswere compacted using a tractor with 4 tonnes trailer weight. Undisturbed soil samples were taken fromthe harvesting path and the frond pile path at 0-10 cm depth. Thin sections image analysis ofimpregnated undisturbed soil samples were examined using a Leica DFC 290 microscope and analyzedusing the associated software. Results: After six years of soil compaction treatments, the resultsshowed a significant decrease in the mean total porosity of the compacted harvesting path withsignificantly smaller mean diameter of mesopores and macropores. In contrast, the percentage ofmacropores was significantly higher in the frond pile path and the control plot. Conclusion: Soil thinsections micromorphological image analysis is a better approach for quantitative measurements ofaltered soil porosity and pores distribution. Compaction caused reduction not only in total porosity butalso causes reconfiguration and redistribution of pore sizes within the soil system.

【 授权许可】

Unknown