Abstract
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.
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Acknowledgements
This work was supported by the Collaborative Research Fund (HKUST6/CRF/12R) and General Research Fund (16207521) from the Research Grants Council, Hong Kong SAR, the Department of Education of Guangdong Province, China (2020KCXTD006), and State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of Integrated Surface Water-Groundwater Pollution Control. The authors thank Prof. Qiang-Sheng Wu for his suggestion on glomalin quantification.
Funding
Collaborative Research Fund from the Research Grants Council, Hong Kong,HKUST6/CRF/12R, Charles Wang Wai Ng, General Research Fund,Hong Kong SAR,16207521, Xun Wen Chen, Department of Education of Guangdong Province, China, 2020KCXTD006, Xun Wen Chen.
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Chen, X.W., Coo, J.L., So, P.S. et al. An experimental setup to prepare root-free mycorrhizal soil specimen for hydraulic conductivity measurement. J Soils Sediments 22, 1278–1285 (2022). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11368-022-03137-8
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11368-022-03137-8