Tomographic method of studying soil pore space: Current perspectives and results for some Russian soils

The methods and results of tomographic soil studies are discussed. A brief history of the development of the tomographic method and its application in soil science are described, and the major results obtained with the use of this method are outlined. An experience of the application of X-ray microtomography for studying the structure of undisturbed samples of some Russian soils is also considered. Three-dimensional images of soil aggregates and soil pore space with a resolution of 15.8 μm have been obtained for the upper horizons of gray forest and soddy-podzolic soils. On the basis of these data, the merits and demerits of the tomographic method in comparison with the traditional method for studying soil pedality and pore space in thin sections are discussed. Certain advantages of the tomographic method provide good possibilities to study soil processes at a qualitatively new level. Priority directions of the development of tomographic studies in soil science are outlined.