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The use of plaster of Paris in the study of soil structure
Author(s) -
Patrick E. A. Fitz,
Mackie L. A.,
Mullins C. E.
Publication year - 1985
Publication title -
soil use and management
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.709
H-Index - 81
eISSN - 1475-2743
pISSN - 0266-0032
DOI - 10.1111/j.1475-2743.1985.tb00660.x
Subject(s) - seedbed , porosity , infiltration (hvac) , geotechnical engineering , geology , materials science , mineralogy , soil science , environmental science , composite material , agronomy , sowing , biology
. Plaster of Paris (CaSO 4 ½H 2 O) infiltration was used (i) to study the continuity of cracks and pores and the variation of macroporosity and crack width with depth and (ii) to maintain an undisturbed seedbed for subsequent resin impregnation. Examples are also given in which the remains of gaps between and at the bottom of the furrow slice can be clearly seen. The method is a useful qualitative visual technique, limited to the larger soil pores. Due to this limitation, it is more useful for showing pore continuity than for quantifying porosity.