New soil analysis method revolutionizes water and air permeability predictions.
The researchers wanted to see if they could use image analysis to figure out how easily air and water can move through soil. They looked at soil blocks with resin in them and measured things like soil texture, density, and how much air and water the soil could hold. They found that the size and shape of the pores in the soil were the most important factors for how well water could soak in. By studying these pores in detail, they could predict how water and air would flow through the soil. This information can help us understand how water moves in soil over time and make better models for soil behavior.