Changes in pore networks and readily dispersible soil following structure liming of clay soils

Structure liming aims to improve soil structure (i.e., the spatial arrangement of particles and pores) its stability against external internal forces. Effects lime application on have received considerable interest, but only a few studies investigated effects macro- mesopore networks. We used X-ray computed tomography image macropore networks (ø ≥ 0.3 mm) in columns mesopores 0.01 aggregates from three field sites with (silty) clay soils after (3.1 t ha−1 or 5 CaO equivalent). Segmented images were quantify porosity pore size distributions as well analyse architecture connectivity metrics. In addition, we amount readily dispersible particles. Our results demonstrate that affected both, amounts different degrees, depending site. Significant changes found for one sites, while some indications similar observed at other two sites. Overall, tended decrease macroporosity shift distribution larger (ε>1.0 medium sized macropores (ε0.3–1.0 towards smaller (ε0.1–0.3 mm). Furthermore, critical average diameters, increasing surface fractal dimension specific area network. also reduced did not find any network properties within biopore aggregates. The remain elusive, may be caused by formation hydrate phases carbonates which occupy space.