Grassland conversion to croplands impacted soil pore parameters measured via X?ray computed tomography

Soil porosity estimated conventionally cannot provide the spatial distribution and geometrical properties of pore networks. This on-farm study assessed impacts grassland–cropland conversion on soil characteristics. aimed to quantify microscale changes in pores near surface (0–10 cm) under grasslands converted croplands managed with a rotation corn (Zea mays L.)–soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] (CS); an integrated crop–livestock system (ICLS) corn–soybean–oats (Avena sativa L.)–cover crops (CCs), livestock grazing soybean residue after harvest CCs; native grassland (NG). Intact cores (diameter: 76.2 mm; length: mm) were collected three replications from CS, ICLS, NG areas located adjacent each other. scanned via X-ray computed tomography (CT) (pixel resolution: 0.226 by slice thickness: 0.5 mm). Soils CS significantly decreased CT-measured macroporosity eightfold. However, it increased sevenfold when was ICLS. Higher connected porosity, connection probability, ICLS enhanced saturated hydraulic conductivity (Ksat) compared CS. The organic carbon (SOC) stock 13% at 0- 10-cm depth, soils improved management (ICLS). Significant correlations parameters found Ksat. We conclude that degraded SOC, pores, other hydro-physical properties, which can be integrating CCs crop residues.