Microlysimeter

Contact Person: Alexander Eder

Brief Description:

The microlysimeter facility of the IKT Petzenkirchen consists of a total of 16 positions for weighable microlysimeters, whose soil water balance can be monitored quasi-actually. Water movement and solute transport can be recorded by various sensors (tensiometers, water fraction sensors, scales, ion selective probes et cetera). The individual microlysimeters can be modularly equipped with different sensors depending on the scientific question and have a controllable irrigation head, which enables a uniform area distribution of the irrigation water. The water sample collection at the lower edge of the microlysimeter can be carried out either according to the gravity principle or, when using ceramic plates, by applying a negative pressure.

Concluded Experiments:

• URAN-GW: Through contamination of mineral phosphor fertilizer, uranium is applied regularly on agricultural fields. During the project Uran-GW, the uranium’s behaviour in the soil (adsorption, transport) and the possible danger to the groundwater was examined.

Current Experiments:

• Examination of a new ion resin based method for measuring nitrogen loads under organically/biologically cultivated areas
• Development of a sensor for measuring the dissolved organic carbon content in the seepage water of agriculturally used areas