I'm interested in learning the breadth of methods used to measure aggregate stability and dispersion. I frequently use methods such as wet aggregate stability (using 1-2 mm aggregates moving up and down in water on a 250 um sieve), and use of Emerson test for dispersion. My concern is that these approaches don't necessarily mimic the types and processes that soil aggregates are exposed to in the field. So I'm interested in learning what you use and what references you recommend for measuring aggregate stability and dispersion?
These two papers summarize the methods and provide some theoretical basis for the measurements:
LE BISSONNAIS, Y. (1996), Aggregate stability and assessment of soil crustability and erodibility: I. Theory and methodology. European Journal of Soil Science, 47: 425–437. doi: 10.1111/j.1365-2389.1996.tb01843.x
LE BISSONNAIS, Y. and ARROUAYS, D. (1997), Aggregate stability and assessment of soil crustability and erodibility: II. Application to humic loamy soils with various organic carbon contents. European Journal of Soil Science, 48: 39–48. doi: 10.1111/j.1365-2389.1997.tb00183.x
Murer, E.J., Baumgarten, A., Eder, G., Gerzabek, M.H., Kandeler, E., Rampazzo, N..
(1993): An improved sieving machine for estimation of soil aggregate stability (SAS).
Geoderma, 56, 539-547
These two papers summarize the methods and provide some theoretical basis for the measurements:
LE BISSONNAIS, Y. (1996), Aggregate stability and assessment of soil crustability and erodibility: I. Theory and methodology. European Journal of Soil Science, 47: 425–437. doi: 10.1111/j.1365-2389.1996.tb01843.x
LE BISSONNAIS, Y. and ARROUAYS, D. (1997), Aggregate stability and assessment of soil crustability and erodibility: II. Application to humic loamy soils with various organic carbon contents. European Journal of Soil Science, 48: 39–48. doi: 10.1111/j.1365-2389.1997.tb00183.x
Dear Hardie, I find is interesting and convenient to use Le Bissonais method (as suggested by Arthur). This has 3 pre-treatment mimicing 3 different ways to interpret water stability of aggregates (MWD values). I feel the principle behind this method is quite relevant and supportive to the bonding within the aggregate and how soil will react with water. I have worked at Rothamsted using this method with Chris Watts and found it quick and useful. I am using this method in my laboratory and satisfied. Yes, you can try.
Hi all, due the variety of tests availabale for aggregate stability, I found the following paper rather interesting, comparing methods:
Deviren Saygın S., Cornelis W.M., Erpul G., Gabriels D. (2012) Comparison of different aggregate stability approaches for loamy sand soils. Applied Soil Ecology 54:1-6. DOI: 10.1016/j.apsoil.2011.11.012.
Hi Hardie
you can use this paper:
Comparison of two methods for assessment of aggregate stability of agricultural soils in southeast Norway
Authors: Grønsten, H. A.; Børresen, T.
Source: Acta Agriculturae Scandinavica, B, Volume 59, Number 6, November 2009 , pp. 567-575(9)
DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/09064710802495356
Dear Marie,
Thanks for giving the reference. The paper is very interesting, although it is also specific to the conditions as explained in the paper, and can't be generalized. However, I would prefer methods depending on objectives like aggr. size distribution or only MWD or C in aggregates, or particulate organic matter etc... (and even number of samples to be analyzed), but the methods should clearly be explained in the publication.
Dear Hardie You can measure aggregate stability by measuring dispersion index
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